IPOH, Oct 17 (Bernama) -- The Perak state government is studying a proposal to establish food zones for elephants to reduce human-wildlife conflict, said Perak Science, Environment and Green Technology Committee chairman Teh Kok Lim.
Teh said the study would involve cooperation between the Perak State Forestry Department (JPNP) and the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan), including the provision of buffer zones with food sources to encourage elephants to remain in suitable habitats.
“We are currently studying the possibility of creating food zones or buffer zones in areas where elephants roam so that the animals can stay in those areas,” he told reporters during the state-level National Environment Day (HASN) and World Ozone Day 2026 celebrations here today.
Also present were Perak Department of Environment (JAS) director Datuk Dr Mohammad Ezanni Mat Salleh and Perak Islamic Religious Department (JAIPk) director Datuk Harith Fadzilah Abdul Halim.
Teh said suitable locations had yet to be identified and further studies were needed before any decisions could be made.
He said human-elephant conflict was also influenced by the animals' growing population, increasingly limited roaming areas and seasonal factors, including the fruit season.
Last Thursday, Bernama reported that 12 farmers who are members of the Bukit Bangkong Agricultural Land Operators Association had appealed to the authorities to take immediate action over wild elephants affecting about 9.7 hectares of their agricultural area.
The elephants were spotted in the area three times, on Sept 27, Oct 3 and Oct 11, since the agricultural area began operations in 2018.
In another development, Teh said public response to Perak's ban on single-use plastic carrier bags had been encouraging, with participation from established business premises such as hypermarkets, convenience stores, fast-food restaurants and pharmacies.
“The ban, which came into effect on Sept 1, is not only aimed at reducing plastic use but also promoting greater environmental awareness and more environmentally friendly habits among the public,” he said.
He added that educational and awareness efforts were ongoing, while stricter enforcement had yet to be implemented.
Teh also said cooperation among traders, local authorities and the community was crucial to ensuring the smooth implementation of the policy, while consumers could also play a role by bringing reusable bags, reducing plastic consumption and choosing more environmentally friendly products.
-- BERNAMA