GUA MUSANG (Bernama): Residents in Kampung Sungai Bayu Baru here say they have incurred almost RM200,000 in losses from crops damaged by three wild elephants that have been roaming around the village for the past two months.

       In the latest incident which happened early on Saturday (Oct 2) morning, the villagers’ oil palm, coconut and durian trees and watermelon vines were damaged by the animals.

       The residents have also expressed concern about the elephants frequently wandering near their homes.

       Farmer Mohd Faizul Isma Che Adam, 36, said he had suffered huge losses because all the damaged trees and plants were already fruiting.

       “We were shocked to see our oil palm and coconut trees and banana plants destroyed by the elephants ... many villagers are now afraid to go to their farms," he said on Sunday (Oct 3).

       Mohd Khairi Mohamad, 34, said he was worried that the elephants posed a threat to the residents' safety, especially the children.

       He said various attempts were made to drive off the elephants but to no avail.

       “At midnight last (Saturday) night, I could hear them outside my home but I did not dare venture out of the house because they seemed close by.

       “We hope the authorities will come and help us solve this problem,” he said. – Bernama