World Elephant Day Celebration 2024: Fostering Coexistence between Humans and Elephants in Johor for Future Generations

Kiah Hui Ooi, Southern Central Forest Spine (SCFS) Landscape Coordinator and Country Representative of the Earthworm Foundation in Malaysia, emphasised the importance of collective action for future initiatives. “We are proud to announce that we have successfully facilitated the establishment of the Human-Elephant Coexistence (HEC) Committee in Sungai Ara,” she stated. This committee is the first of its kind in Peninsular Malaysia, bringing together smallholders and large plantation concessions.

Unfortunately, on the same day as the event, not far from the location where the commemoration took place, an incident of human-elephant interaction occurred in the Mersing area that resulted in fatalities. The incident highlighted the urgency and importance of collective action, as well as awareness raising. “Now more than ever, it is important to explore long-term solutions, such as enriching elephant habitats and migration routes and establishing wildlife corridors. Joint action and collaboration among stakeholders are imperative,” added Kiah Hui Ooi.