GUA MUSANG, Sept 4 (Bernama) -- A total of 1,500 kilograms of rice was distributed to 300 Orang Asli heads of households from the Temiar tribe at the Rancangan Pengumpulan Semula (RPS) Pasik here as immediate assistance following wild elephant disturbances that have disrupted residents' livelihoods.
Nenggiri State Assemblyman (ADUN) Mohd Azmawi Fikri Abdul Ghani stated that the aid, provided through the Nenggiri DUN Service Centre, aims to ease the burden of the residents who rely heavily on crop yields for their daily needs.
He noted that, at the same time, long-term solutions must be given attention given that the conflict has dragged on for over two years and is increasingly causing concern among the residents.
"The elephant-human conflict issue in RPS Pasik requires a more comprehensive solution among the relevant agencies. I hope the involved agencies, including the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan), will sit at the same table to discuss the best solution," he said when met by reporters here, today.
Mohd Azmawi said that based on the latest complaints, the number of elephants detected in the area has increased from two to four, further heightening residents' concerns for their safety.
Meanwhile, Kelantan Perhilitan Director Wan Mohd Adib Wan Yusoh said his party will examine the complaint and conduct an investigation before taking appropriate action.
"I advise the public not to approach, chase, or provoke wild elephants, but instead give them room and ensure a safe distance if they wish to take photos," he said.
-- BERNAMA