'Dwindling elephant population in Sabah could affect tourism, commodity price'

It was reported that 20 elephants died due to being poached or them killing each other. NSTP/Sabah Wildlife department.

By Olivia Miwil - October 30, 2019 @ 11:54am

PENAMPANG: Sabah government is hoping that collaborations with all stakeholders and public awareness would help tackle the dwindling population of elephants in the state.

State Deputy Minister Datuk Christina Liew, in a speech read by her permanent secretary Datuk William Baya during Elephant’s Day at Lok Kawi Wildlife Park here yesterday, said that as of October, it was reported that 20 elephants died due to being poached or them killing each other.

“This situation is worrying as the population of elephants is decreasing not only due to lack of habitat and food, but also due to pressure from illegal hunting.

“It is a concern that such a phenomenon would affect Sabah’s image as ideal ecotourism destination and would also drop palm oil price in the global market,” said Liew, who is also state Tourism, Culture and Environment minister.

Liew added that there have been collaborations such as installing electric fences, elephant translocations and good communications network among stakeholders to control human-elephant conflict.

“As there are staff shortages, especially wildlife rangers, in Sabah Wildlife department, the establishment of CERT team in Telupid and The 7 Team in Ulu Muanad are also helpful in putting control on elephant disturbances.

“Cooperation like these has directly handled conflict related to elephant more effectively and fast,” she added.

Besides that, she said through awareness programme, people would work together and condemn elephant poaching from getting rampant.

“I am also confident that the Wildlife Department, with the assistance from enforcement agencies such as Royal Malaysian Police, would be able to catch perpetrators.”

In 2002, elephant population in Sabah was estimated to be between 1,100 and 1,600.

Sabah Wildlife Department is expected to release the latest population of pygmy elephants by 2021.