Malaysia: Elephants storm farmer's compound, destroy 1.6ha crops

Hazsyah Abdul Rahman New Straits Times 24 Sep 18;

KINABATANGAN: A herd of elephants stormed the compound of a farmer’s house at Kampung Sukau here last week, destroying 1.6 hectares of crops.

This is the second time Abdul Ghani Kosoi, 62, had his crops destroyed by about 40 elephants.

The elephants entered the compound last Sunday and stayed there until Wednesday.

“The herd fed on crops such as oil palm, banana and coconut,” he said when contacted, today.

Abdul Ghani said he had just planted the oil palm on his land.

He said last year elephants had also destroyed his crops and this usually happened about four times a year.

“We did not dare to get out of the house because we were surrounded by elephants. We were lucky they did not turn aggressive and destroy our house,” he said.

Abdul Ghani said the elephants were now believed to be moving to other villages, and villagers had been advised to install electrical fencing.

“However, I cannot afford to do so as it could cost up to RM5,000. We can only hope someone will be kind enough to assist as (install electrical fencing).

“That is the only way to prevent elephants from entering our farm,” he said.