Malaysia recorded 1,524 cases of human-wildlife conflict between 2020 and July this year, with the incidents resulting in 1,470 injuries and 54 deaths, according to the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan).
Perhilitan director-general Datuk Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim said the growing number of encounters was largely linked to the shrinking of natural habitats caused by land clearing and development projects.
He said habitat fragmentation had forced wildlife to search for new roaming areas, bringing animals closer to forests, plantations and nearby residential communities.
“Members of the public feeding wildlife, particularly primates, can also contribute to conflicts between humans and monkeys,” he said, adding that poor waste management was another factor that could attract wildlife into populated areas.
Kadir also pointed to the high breeding rates of primates, saying their ability to adapt and survive in different environments had contributed to steady annual population growth.
At the same time, he said greater public awareness and easier access to mass media and Perhilitan’s complaint channels had helped authorities receive more comprehensive information about wildlife-related incidents.
Perhilitan is also exploring alternatives to traditional catch-and-relocate operations, which can be costly, by adopting technology-driven mitigation methods to manage wildlife more effectively.
Among the measures are GPS satellite collars fitted on leaders of wild elephant herds, allowing authorities to track their movements in real time and activate early warning systems when the animals approach plantation or residential boundaries.
Patrol teams are also using thermal drones to detect wildlife such as elephants and tigers in dense vegetation, helping authorities identify potential threats before the animals enter villages.
Camera traps have additionally been installed at areas identified as wildlife intrusion hotspots to collect behavioural data and support earlier intervention and preventive measures.
Kadir urged members of the public to report wildlife disturbances through the Perhilitan hotline at 1-800-88-5151 or its e-Aduan portal, while reminding them not to take matters into their own hands when encountering wild animals.
