Wild Elephant Safety Tips
Tips Keselamatan Elak Serangan Gajah Liar
Elephants naturally roam large areas to feed, requiring hundreds of kilograms of food daily. In areas such as Johor, with forest reserves, industrial development, and agriculture next to each other, human-elephant interaction is inevitable.
When this occurs, the economic impact falls heavily on smallholders. Elephants often knock down oil palm trees to reach the nutrient-rich palm hearts, causing significant losses for individual farmers, while also creating safety concerns for local residents.
Through WAGS, we work with one of the largest smallholder networks in Johor. Rather than waiting for external solutions, we are acting by listening first — conducting ground surveys and gathering direct feedback in conflict hotspots like Kahang.
We believe true resolution comes from learning how to coexist with wildlife rather than trying to block them out. We are engaging with conservation experts from MEME, WCS, BORA, and Seratu Atai, alongside agencies like PERHILITAN and Forestry, to explore long-term strategies.
Tips to Stay Safe
Tips Keselamatan Utama
Avoid making loud noises or sudden movements that could scare the elephant.
Elakkan membuat bunyi bising atau gerakan mengejut yang boleh menakutkan gajah.
切勿喧哗或做出可能惊吓大象的突发动作。
Do not go near and keep 50–100 meters away from any wild elephants.
Jangan mendekati gajah & kekalkan jarak 50 –100 meter.
切勿靠近大象，并保持 50–100 米的距离
If an elephant comes towards you, walk backwards slowly.
Do not turn your back to it, and find a safe place to hide.
Jika gajah menghampiri, undur ke belakang perlahan-lahan tanpa membelakangkan gajah, dan cari tempat berlindung.
如果大象靠近，请一边注视它一边缓慢后退，并寻找安全的掩体。
What We're doing
One promising approach is managing designated grassland patches. Cutting and maintaining young, nutritious grass creates an attractive, natural feeding buffer for elephants — and local livestock — keeping them away from commercial crops.
Communities can also explore:
Alternative, non-palatable cash crops
Natural deterrents (like chili oils or bee deterrents)
Early-warning siren systems to protect their farms without harming wildlife
Farmers should always prioritise personal safety. By capturing evidence — such as logging footprints, crop damage, and precise locations — and sharing that data with Wild Asia and PERHILITAN, smallholders help map elephant hotspots, which directly shapes effective, long-term corridor planning.
Who to Contact
For any complaints or assistance regarding wildlife, please refer to the information below
Untuk sebarang aduan atau bantuan berkenaan hidupan liar, sila rujuk maklumat dibawah
Johor
Johor WAGS: 07-771 7974 (Sokongan konflik hidupan liar & kelestarian ladang)
PERHILITAN: 1-800-88-5151 (Talian Hotline)
PERHILITAN (Kluang): 07-772 3989
>> Inisiatif Bantuan Kerugian Harta Benda Dan Tanaman (BKHT)
Sabah
Sabah WAGS: +6013-8379272 (Sokongan konflik hidupan liar & kelestarian ladang)
Jabatan Hidupan Liar Sabah: 088-254 767 (Talian Hotline 24 jam)
Jabatan Hidupan Liar Sandakan: 089-666 550