Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Government is strengthening immediate and long-term measures to address human-wildlife conflict, including damage caused by wild elephants, wild boars and monkeys to farms and agricultural livelihoods, the State Legislative Assembly was told on Tuesday.
Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Dr Andi Md Shamsureezal Mohd Saina said the Ministry and Sabah Wildlife Department (SWD) are implementing species-specific measures, including Elephant Escort Ranger Teams in hotspot areas, satellite tracking of selected wild elephants and wild boar control based on risk assessments and complaints.
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He said capture-and-relocation is not a long-term solution, with the Government instead focusing on public awareness, community participation, preventive measures and improved operational procedures to reduce conflict risks.
Replying to Gum-Gum assemblyman Arunarnsin Taib, Andi said members of the Elephant Escort Ranger Teams are trained in elephant behaviour and safe conflict management to enable quicker responses and minimise harm to both people and wildlife.
Responding to a supplementary question from Senallang assemblyman Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, he said the Government is studying the establishment of an elephant sanctuary in Tawau, with the possibility of expanding the model to other districts if it proves successful.
