KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 80,375 human-wildlife conflict incidents have been nationwide from 2018 to this year, said Natural Resources and Environment Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad (pic).
Nik Nazmi stated that the incidents started with 7,925 cases in 2018, gradually increasing to over 9,700 cases in 2019, about 11,800 in 2020, 12,800 in 2021, approximately 13,000 in 2022, 13,670 in 2023, and 11,341 cases this year.
“We know this is a serious issue, and it requires a comprehensive approach to address human-wildlife conflict while preserving our biodiversity,” said Nik Nazmi during Minister Question Time in Parliament on Tuesday (Nov 12).
Nik Nazmi added that from 2018 to 2024, an estimated RM62.5mil in losses have been incurred due to human-wildlife conflicts.
“In 2018, it was about RM3.8mil and so far this year, losses were RM7.35mil. Last year, it was more than RM11mil,” added Nik Nazmi.
He said the first phase of the ECRL between Kota Baru and Gombak cuts through several forest reserves which are wildlife habitats.
“Wildlife management planning is a key aspect we focus on, and it is one of the main pre-conditions of the National Parks Department (Perhilitan) in the environment impact assessment (EIA) report approval,” said Nik Nazmi.
He also mentioned that Perhilitan and the ECRL have signed an agreement to address human-wildlife conflict.
“This agreement is valid until 2027 to ensure wildlife sustainability in its habitat,” added Nik Nazmi.
Earlier this month, Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) said the ECRL line along the Kemasul Forest Reserve in Temerloh, Pahang, will include elephant barrier fencing on both tracks to prevent human-elephant conflicts.
MRL stated that the barrier fencing is a measure to prevent elephants from entering the ECRL railway area, which could lead to accidents.
A test on the fence was conducted on 23 October and involved two elephants.
A video of the elephants pushing against the fence structure during the durability test recently went viral on social media.
The 665km alignment spanning Pahang, Kelantan, and Terengganu includes 41 tunnels, approximately 145 elevated sections, and 28 wildlife crossings to mitigate environmental impacts.
