JOHOR BARU: The Johor Elephant Sanctuary (JES) in Kota Tinggi is expected to open its gates to the public in 2025.

       Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar decreed that JES was able to become the latest tourism product for the state as well as increasing the animal’s habitat quality.

       Earlier, His Majesty granted an audience to Kota Tinggi district officer Hazlina Jalil and Johor Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) director Aminuddin Jamin at Mados office at Istana Bukit Pelangi here on Thursday (Oct 21).

       In a statement posted on Sultan Ibrahim’s official Facebook page, Aminuddin also presented a briefing on the implementation and coordination of the sanctuary to Sultan Ibrahim.

       He said the purpose of building JES was, among others, to strengthen elephant management in Johor by reducing elephant-human conflict in agricultural areas and settlements.

       The sanctuary also serves to provide opportunities for sustainable eco-tourism based activities and to generate the socio-economy of the locals.

       Aminuddin also presented a briefing on the implementation of JES phase two development (2020-2025) during the audience, which among others include visitor facilities activities, monitoring of electric fences and equipment, early warning systems, landscape development and programmes with the locals.

       “The development components that have been completed in phase one include elephant paddocks, grazing fields, bridges, main entrances, administration building and workers’ barracks,” he said.

       Other facilities that would be accessible to visitors at JES also include a surau, souvenir shop, cafe, walkway, playground and many more.

       JES is expected to be open to the public after the end of phase two in about four years’ time to ensure the safety and comfort of visitors.

       The RM15mil JES is built within a 72.9ha land area and is located along Jalan Lombong near the famous Kota Tinggi Waterfall.