A 48-year-old Orang Asli man was injured after being attacked by an elephant while attempting to chase away a herd of wild elephants that entered Kampung Orang Asli Perjek, Rancangan Penempatan Semula (RPS) Legap, Sungai Siput on Friday night.
The Department of Wildlife and National Parks Peninsular Malaysia (Perhilitan) said it received a report regarding the incident at about 10pm before officers from the Sungai Siput district office were deployed to the location for investigation.
Based on initial checks, Perhilitan found that the incident occurred at around 9pm when a group of four elephants entered the area behind residents’ homes and fed on tapioca and banana plants.
The department said the victim, along with several villagers, attempted to drive the elephants away but was attacked after getting too close to one of the animals.
“As a result of the incident, the victim suffered injuries, bleeding and lost consciousness before being rescued by villagers,” Perhilitan said in a statement on Saturday.
The victim was taken by ambulance to Sungai Siput Hospital at about 10.30pm before being referred to Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital (HRPB) in Ipoh for further treatment.
Perhilitan said the victim’s condition is now reported to be stable.
The department added that drone monitoring showed the herd had moved away from the village area.
“Perhilitan will continue monitoring the movement of the elephants and take appropriate management measures to reduce the risk of human-wildlife conflict in the area,” it said.
The department also said it would assist the victim’s family in applying for aid through the Wildlife Attack Victim Assistance initiative under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability.
Perhilitan reminded the public not to take matters into their own hands when dealing with wild animals, especially elephants, as such actions could endanger their safety.
Members of the public who encounter wildlife-related issues are advised to contact Perhilitan’s hotline at 1-800-88-5151 or submit complaints through the Public Complaints Management System (SISPAA).
