KUALA NERUS, Aug 22 — The Terengganu Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) is investigating a complaint about a wild elephant reportedly roaming in Kampung Pengkalan Gelugor, Jeram, here yesterday.

State Perhilitan director Dennis Ten Choon Yung said investigations found that the elephant had destroyed residents’ crops, including banana and sugarcane plants, while also roaming around the village and posing a safety risk to residents.

In this regard, he advised members of the public not to enter the affected area or approach the elephant to prevent any untoward incidents.

“Residents must not follow the elephant’s tracks, throw objects at it or take any action that could provoke it, and must give way if the animal crosses their path.

“Residents are also urged to give the department space to carry out control and translocation operations when conditions permit,” he said in a statement today.

Meanwhile, he said the nearest forest reserve to the location of the incident was Belara Forest Reserve in Kuala Nerus, but there had been no previous records of elephant sightings in the area.

He added that the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and security agencies had been informed and were also assisting in controlling traffic and the movement of residents in the area.

“Perhilitan is also carrying out control and monitoring around the location of the complaint before translocation action is taken when conditions are suitable,” he said. — Bernama