By PAUL MU
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Government is strengthening measures to address human-wildlife conflicts involving wild elephants, wild boars, monkeys and other species that damage crops and affect farmers’ income.
Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Dr Andi Md Shamsureezal Mohd Saina said the government was implementing both immediate mitigation measures and long-term strategies through the Sabah Wildlife Department.
He said the approach was based on the ecology, behaviour and causes of conflict involving each species, as well as conditions in affected areas.
“The government recognises that capture-and-relocation is not a long-term solution as it only transfers the problem to another area without addressing the root causes of conflict,” he said in response to Warisan-Gum Gum Assemblyman Arunarnsin Taib at the State Legislative Assembly sitting.
Dr Andi said the government was adopting a comprehensive approach through public awareness, community involvement and improved preventive methods.
He said the Sabah Wildlife Department was also enhancing its standard operating procedures and sharing expertise with mitigation teams established with local communities.
Among the initiatives implemented was the establishment of Elephant Escort Ranger Teams in elephant conflict hotspots involving local communities.
The teams are trained in elephant behaviour, safe conflict management methods and techniques to deter elephants without harming them.
Dr Andi said satellite collars had also been installed on selected wild elephants to monitor their movements and habitat use patterns.
“The data helps the department understand elephant movement routes and plan more effective mitigation measures, including providing early warnings to communities at risk,” he said.
For monkey-related conflicts, he said controlled population reduction activities were carried out in selected areas, mainly to manage zoonotic disease risks and public safety.
Meanwhile, control measures for wild boars were implemented based on risk assessments and complaints received from affected areas, in accordance with existing legal provisions.
Dr Andi said the government would continue to strengthen a science-based approach through monitoring, research, technology use, community involvement and strategic cooperation.
He said the aim was to ensure a balance between wildlife conservation, public safety, agricultural sustainability and the preservation of Sabah’s biodiversity.
‘The government recognises that capture-and-relocation is not a long-term solution as it only transfers the problem to another area without addressing the root causes of conflict’ – Dr Andi
