Straying elephants to be driven into Tabin Forest Reserve

Efforts are underway to drive a herd of about 100 elephants that encroached into Felda settlers’ land in Anjung Teduh, Felda Sahabat, Tungku near Lahad Datu, into the Tabin Forest Reserve.

Sabah Wildlife Department (JHL) officer Silvester Saimin said the task would be carried out by eight JHL staff and assisted by settlers from Felda Sahabat.

“There is a massive operation in Felda Sahabat today.

“We will use tractors and sound recordings to attract the attention of the elephants and drive them into the forest reserve located about 10km away,” he said when contacted.

He said the elephants were looking for food when they encroached into settlers’ land. It is understood that the elephants eat the crops and love to scratch their backs on the pillars of the houses.

Meanwhile, JHL director Augustine Tuuga said herds of elephants had encroached the area often this year. - Bernama