Malaysia: Electric fence stops intruding elephants

New Straits Times 2 May 12;

JELI: More than 200 Orang Asli villagers in Kampung Sungai Rual here are relieved with the erection of an electric fence to check intruding elephants.

The Orang Asli said they were glad that the fence had been completed as it prevented elephants from destroying their crops including oil palm and bananas.

Ajang Ludin, 43, thanked the government especially the Wildlife Department for their concern about the community's welfare.

"We suffered huge losses previously when our crops were destroyed by elephants and our houses damaged, However, it has now ended," said Ajang on Sunday.

The 15km electric fence -- which also covered Kampung Kuala Long, Kampung Belahat, Kampung Pasir Dusun and Kampung Lubok Bongor -- were completed by the state wildlife department at the end of last year at a cost of about RM1.4 million.

Ayub Zakaria, 31, said the fence would ensure that elephants did no stray into the villages to forage for food.

"We also do not have to fear about getting into the path of the big mammal and can go about doing our work without disturbance," he said.

Kelantan wildlife director Rahmat Topani said the project in Jeli, the first in the state, would help to prevent about 50 elephants in the Gunung Basor forest reserve from wandering into nearby villages including the Orang Asli settlement.

"The electric fence project was the best solution to put a stop to the elephant attacks," said Rahmat, adding that it was estimated that there are about 200 elephants in Kelantan.