IPOH: Motorists plying the East-West Highway (JRTB) connecting Gerik in Perak to Jeli, Kelantan, have been advised to be vigilant with the presence of elephants that often roam in the area.

       The advice came following several video recordings of the animals recently.

       Perak Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) director Yusoff Shariff said motorists should slow down or stop their vehicles and maintain a safe distance to allow the elephants to head back to the forest if they stumble upon them hanging out on the road.

       “Motorists are advised not to provoke or get too close to the elephants on the road.

       “This is because there is a huge potential for the elephant to attack people who approach it, which can lead to injury or death as has been reported before,” he said when contacted by Bernama.

       He also said that based on the videos, Perhilitan believes that it is the same elephant that was often seen roaming the rest and service (R&R) area near the Titiwangsa Range in search of food.

       Yusoff said the elephants roaming in the area were familiar with the presence of humans and vehicles, but motorists should always be vigilant and take note of the warning signs that have been installed by Perhilitan.

       Recently, there were several videos shared by motorists which showed the presence of an elephant along JRTB, including a driver honking at the animal.