KAHANG: It was a night of horror for Kampung Contoh villagers here where 10 wild elephants encroached into the village on Tuesday.

A herd of wild elephants roamed into the village in the evening looking for food.

They were seen at the farms, roadside, and residential areas.

Fruit trees and crops were damaged by the herd; animals fled and villagers were in fear.

Head of Kampung Contoh, Baharuddin bin Aman said it was the first time such a large herd of elephants had encroached into the village and remained in the village for a long time.

Villagers used to encounter elephants, but not such a large group.

For safety reasons, villagers remained at home throughout the night, as advised by Johor wildlife and national parks officers.

Villagers were reminded to stay away from the animals.

Last month, it was reported that nine wild elephants, including two calves, were relocated from forest areas near Kampung Seri Lukut and Kampung Pinggir as part of Johor’s largest coordinated operation to address wildlife-human conflict.

There are over 100 reports of conflicts between elephants and humans in Johor, causing damage totaling RM1.1 million each year.

Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the state, which is home to approximately 120 to 160 wild elephants, is committed to finding a balanced solution that ensures both the conservation of wildlife and the safety of its residents.