Latest news with #PERHILITAN
Barnama
5 days ago
- Health
- Barnama
Wild Elephants Given A Second Chance Through Johor Translocation Operation
KLUANG, July 24 (Bernama) -- A herd of wild elephants, once seen as a threat to local communities, is being given a second chance through a translocation effort by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN). In a coordinated operation this week, four female elephants, including a calf, were sedated and safely relocated from a rubber plantation in Kampung Sri Lukut, marking the start of a broader conservation mission in Kluang. This effort is part of an integrated operation launched on July 14, the first such initiative in Johor this year. Assisting in the operation were Abot and Sanum, two gajah denak (trained elephants) from the National Elephant Conservation Centre in Kuala Gandah, Pahang, guided by their handlers to help calm and lead the captured elephants. 'Gajah denak play a crucial role and typically work in pairs. They not only lead, but offer psychological reassurance that prevents panic and resistance,' said Johor PERHILITAN director Aminuddin Jamin. So far, nine wild elephants have been captured in the Kluang operation. Four were relocated two days ago, with two elephants moved during each subsequent session. One elephant has already been transferred to the Johor Elephant Sanctuary (JES). The operation is supported by satellite collars, each costing RM30,000 and drone surveillance to track herd movement. Over 30 personnel from PERHILITAN, JES and Kuala Gandah were involved in the field operation, along with a dedicated veterinary team. Johor PERHILITAN veterinary officer Dr Suliza Abd Wahab, who oversaw tranquilisation and post-capture care, views the elephants as patients rather than just wildlife. She explained that sedative doses are carefully tailored, with capture-phase doses reaching 20cc and reduced amounts used during transport or release.
Malay Mail
6 days ago
- General
- Malay Mail
Kelantan seeks federal funds to upgrade Gerik-Jeli highway for safer travel, says state exco
KOTA BHARU, July 23 — The Kelantan government has submitted a formal request to the Works Ministry (KKR) to upgrade infrastructure along the Gerik-Jeli stretch of the East-West Highway (JRTB) to enhance road safety and user comfort. State Public Works, Infrastructure, Water and Rural Development Committee chairman Datuk Dr Izani Husin said the application, submitted through the state Public Works Department (JKR), covers five key components, including slope repairs, overtaking lanes, corrugated metal drainage pipes, New Jersey concrete barriers and solar-powered streetlights. 'The state is also procuring LED warning signboards that illuminate at night to alert motorists, especially in low-visibility areas,' he said. Izani was responding to a question from Datuk Abdul Hadi Awang Kechil (PAS—Kuala Balah) during the Kelantan State Legislative Assembly today, on efforts to improve safety along the route, which has seen frequent accidents, including wildlife-related incidents. He said the state is also collaborating with the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN) and Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) to establish an elephant feeding corridor in Jeli, which is currently in the stage of hotspot identification. For tiger conservation, specific movement corridors have been mapped and efforts are underway to implement monitoring and protection standards under the Conservation Assured | Tiger Standards (CA|TS) framework. Additional safety measures include wildlife crossing signs and regular patrols by PERHILITAN personnel to guide elephants back to forested areas when needed. — Bernama
The Sun
6 days ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
Kelantan seeks federal funds to upgrade Gerik-Jeli highway safety
KOTA BHARU: The Kelantan government has formally requested federal funding to upgrade the Gerik–Jeli stretch of the East-West Highway (JRTB) to improve road safety and user comfort. State Public Works, Infrastructure, Water and Rural Development Committee chairman Datuk Dr Izani Husin confirmed the application was submitted through the state Public Works Department (JKR). The proposed upgrades include five key components: slope repairs, overtaking lanes, corrugated metal drainage pipes, New Jersey concrete barriers, and solar-powered streetlights. 'The state is also procuring LED warning signboards that illuminate at night to alert motorists, especially in low-visibility areas,' Izani said. The request follows concerns over frequent accidents, including wildlife-related incidents. Izani addressed the issue during the Kelantan State Legislative Assembly in response to a question from Datuk Abdul Hadi Awang Kechil (PAS–Kuala Balah). To mitigate wildlife hazards, the state is collaborating with the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN) and Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) to establish an elephant feeding corridor in Jeli. 'Hotspot identification is currently underway,' Izani added. For tiger conservation, movement corridors have been mapped, with plans to implement monitoring and protection measures under the Conservation Assured | Tiger Standards (CA|TS) framework. Additional safety measures include wildlife crossing signs and regular patrols by PERHILITAN personnel to guide elephants away from the highway when necessary. – Bernama
Barnama
14-07-2025
- General
- Barnama
PERHILITAN Launches Elephant Translocation Operation
KLUANG, July 14 (Bernama) -- The Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN) has launched a large-scale Integrated Elephant Translocation Operation to relocate 25 elephants from conflict zones across Peninsular Malaysia, starting this month through July next year. PERHILITAN director-general Datuk Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim said the initiative aims to address human-elephant conflicts more systematically and effectively, with Johor as the first state involved. 'The operation targets high-risk areas by identifying and relocating elephant herds that disrupt farms, villages and residential areas,' he said after officiating the Johor leg of the operation here today. The event was also attended by Johor Health and Environment Committee chairman Ling Tiang Soon and Johor PERHILITAN director Aminuddin Jamin. Abdul Kadir said the effort also supports ecosystem restoration through population control outside natural habitats and will help gather scientific data to strengthen future elephant management policies. The Johor operation is being carried out in collaboration with the Elephant Transfer Team from the National Elephant Conservation Centre (NECC) in Kuala Gandah, Pahang, alongside teams from Perak, Kelantan and Terengganu, with Johor PERHILITAN as the lead coordinator. The initiative will utilise drone surveillance, digital movement mapping and early warning systems to minimise risks to local communities. Currently, about 1,300 wild elephants are estimated to inhabit Peninsular Malaysia. From 2020 to 2024, PERHILITAN recorded 4,919 human-elephant conflict incidents, resulting in losses estimated at RM39.4 million, mainly in Johor, Kelantan, Perak and Pahang. Abdul Kadir said the programme aligns with key national strategies, including the National Elephant Conservation Action Plan (NECAP), the National Policy on Biological Diversity 2022–2030 and the National Forestry Policy.
The Sun
14-07-2025
- General
- The Sun
Meerkat on leash at KL shopping centre sparks animal cruelty row
A viral TikTok showing a meerkat tied to a chair at a pop-up petting zoo in a Kuala Lumpur shopping centre has sparked widespread outrage, with many Malaysians questioning the legality and ethics of the setup. In the video, originally posted by TikTok user @aiza, the meerkat — an animal native to the African continent — is seen pacing in circles on a leash, appearing restless and exposed. A donation box labelled 'donation for the animals' was placed nearby, while the meerkat remained tethered in full view of the public. The user said she confronted the man collecting donations but was stunned by his casual response. 'I went to the guy collecting money and asked if the meerkat had been like this all day. He said, 'Yes, any problem??' Are you serious??' Hundreds of commenters voiced concern for the animal's welfare. User @tehyobgie remarked, 'Donation for animals but abuse animals? The heck!' Meanwhile, @Azrael added, 'This is truly heartbreaking. It wasn't born to live like this. It just wants to be free.' The outrage soon spread to Reddit, where user @Affectionate-Bug5452 clarified: 'Meerkats are under the 'exotic wildlife' category in the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010. You need a special permit from PERHILITAN to keep one — otherwise it's illegal.' Another commenter, @DangIt_MoonMoon, wrote, 'Malaysians are still not educated when it comes to being kind to animals. What the user posted is really some rubbish third world country nonsense.' While some debated whether meerkats are endangered, most agreed that using exotic animals to solicit donations is deeply unethical. @Appropriate-Rub3534 said, 'I would make a scene and call the manager to remove that. Whether endangered or not, torturing animals is not acceptable.' @kurangak added, 'Meerkats are very social animals. Poor thing had to live alone.' Calls for immediate reporting to PERHILITAN, Malaysia's wildlife department, have flooded both TikTok and Reddit. But @Affectionate-Bug5452 cautioned, 'Sometimes they only take action when it's actively happening.' As the video continues to circulate, animal lovers and welfare advocates are urging authorities to intervene before more animals are subjected to similar treatment.
