Compiled by JUNAID IBRAHIM, C. ARUNO and R. ARAVINTHAN

       A WILD elephant roaming around Kampung Kubang Belantik was successfully and safely captured by the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) on Monday.

       Kedah Perhilitan director Jamalun Nasir Ibrahim said the male elephant, aged between 18 and 20 years old and weighing approximately two tonnes, has been named Awang Belantik, Sinar Harian reported.

       The elephant was found in a rubber plantation behind the villagers’ houses at about 11am.

       According to Jamalun, the Kedah Elephant Action Unit took two hours to capture the animal.

       “We received complaints from residents saying that the elephant had destroyed crops, especially fruits cultivated by the residents, causing losses,” he said.

       He added that the elephant was separated from its herd, causing it to enter the village alone to look for food.

       “We will move the elephant to Hutan Simpan Belum, Perak on Thursday with the help of two other elephants from the Kuala Gandah National Elephant Conservation Centre in Lanchang, Pahang.

       “Awang Belantik has been tethered and is being monitored while waiting for the conservation team, which is expected to arrive on Wednesday,” said Jamalun.

       > Singer Uchop Ahmad is looking for sponsors for him to represent Malaysia in the World Championship of Performing Arts (WCOPA) 2021 competition at Las Vegas, United States, in December, Harian Metro reported.

       Uchop, 36, said he needed to provide for his own expenses in order to join the championship.

       “According to the details, I have to provide US$9,500 or RM22,000 for fees and expenses for 21 days. Even though it is costly, I really want to go because it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

       “I intend to seek sponsorship from well-known political figures, namely Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Rina Mohd Harun, as well as former minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani who comes from where I live, Desa Pandan,” he said, adding that he also accepted endorsement deals.

       Uchop, who now worked part-time as a delivery guy, said he also performed live on Facebook twice a month to earn additional income.

       In WCOPA 2021, he is listed in the Silver category, while singers Pija Yasin and Thalia Rasul are listed in the Gold category.

       The above articles are compiled from the vernacular newspapers (Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese and Tamil dailies). As such, stories are grouped according to the respective language/medium. Where a paragraph begins with a >, it denotes a separate news item.