Five Areas In Jeli Identified As Potential Sites For Elephant Corridor, Food Bank

KOTA BHARU, Nov 2 (Bernama) -- Five areas in the Jeli district, namely Batu Melintang, Kampung Lawar, Lata Janggut, Sungai Rual and Kampung Rual, have been identified as potential sites for an elephant corridor and food bank.

State Local Government, Housing, Health and Environment Committee chairman Hilmi Abdullah said the Kelantan Lands and Mines Office had approved an application to use land within the Sultan Ismail Petra Ecosystem Protection Park (TPESIP) at Tasik Pergau for the establishment of the elephant corridor and food bank.

“A feasibility study on establishing an elephant corridor in Jeli was initiated in 2024 by Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) in collaboration with the Malaysian Palm Oil Green Conservation Foundation (MPOGCF) and the Kelantan Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan).

“UMK is also seeking an allocation to implement the programme, which will commence once funding has been secured,” he said when winding up the debate on Budget 2027 at the Kelantan State Legislative Assembly sitting at the Kota Darulnaim Complex here today.

Hilmi further said the food bank concept would involve cultivating suitable food sources, including Napier grass and other plants consumed by elephants, within their natural habitats and along their migratory routes.

He said the approach was aimed at increasing food availability within the elephants’ natural habitats, thereby reducing the likelihood of the animals venturing into agricultural areas and human settlements.

“A similar approach is being adopted under the Nenggiri Hydroelectric Project in Gua Musang, where Napier grass has been planted across six strategic areas covering approximately 5.3 hectares.

“Six artificial salt licks have also been installed as part of efforts to enhance the elephants’ natural habitat,” he said.

Hilmi said the initiatives were in line with the National Elephant Conservation Action Plan 2023 to 2030, particularly its emphasis on preserving and conserving elephant corridors and habitats.

--BERNAMA