IPOH, May 10 — Motorists plying the East-West Highway (JRTB) connecting Gerik to Jeli have been advised to be vigilant with the presence of elephants that often roam in the area following several video recordings of the animals recently.
Perak Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) director Yusoff Shariff said motorists should slow down or stop their vehicles and maintain a safe distance to allow the elephants to head back to the forest if they stumble upon the animals hanging out on the road.
“Motorists are advised not to provoke or get too close to elephants on the road.
“This is because there is a huge potential for the elephant to attack people who approach it which can lead to injury or death as has been reported before,” he said when contacted by Bernama.
He also said that based on viral videos, Perhilitan believed that it was the same elephant that was often seen roaming the rest and service (R&R) area near the Titiwangsa Range in search of food.
He said the elephants roaming in the area were familiar with the presence of humans and vehicles but motorists should always be vigilant and take note of some warning signs that have been installed by Perhilitan.
Recently, there were several video clips shared by motorists plying JRTB which showed the presence of an elephant at the side of the road, as well as hanging out on the road, apart from a driver who was seen honking at the animal.
— Bernama
