IPOH: The Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) has driven wild elephants away from Bukit Bangkong, Chemor, following repeated incursions into orchards.
In a statement, Perhilitan said it received complaints about elephant disturbances on Sept 27, Oct 3 and Oct 11.
The department began monitoring the area on Oct 4 before carrying out control measures on the nights of Oct 11 and 12.
"Field observations found that the herd had moved away from the reported area following the control measures," it said.
Further measures were carried out from Oct 16 to 17 to address recurring disturbances and reduce the risk of human-elephant conflict.
Perhilitan also advised residents and plantation owners to install lights around plantations and use bonfires in a controlled manner to reduce the likelihood of further incursions.
"Residents and plantation owners are also urged to immediately notify the department if the disturbances recur to enable prompt follow-up action," the statement said.
The department said it would continue to monitor the area and take further action if necessary.
On Oct 16, the New Straits Times reported that wild elephants had raided fruit orchards in Bukit Bangkong three times within weeks, damaging fruit trees, water tanks, pipes and ponds.
The Bukit Bangkong Hulu Cemor farmers' group said the repeated incursions had raised concerns among orchard owners who had invested considerable time, effort and money in developing their land.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
