GERIK: An elephant was successfully rescued after being found trapped in a drain at Batu 11, Jalan Raya Timur Barat (JRTB) Gerik-Jeli, near the JRTB Memorial Monument, here today.
Perak Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) director Yusoff Shariff said the department had received a report on the incident this morning.
He said the rescue operation for the female elephant also involved the cooperation of several other agencies, including the police.
"Yes, it is true that Perhilitan received a report about the incident this morning where the elephant had tried to get out of the drain but was unable to do so.
"We have successfully rescued the elephant. Besides Perhilitan, the rescue operation also involved cooperation from several other agencies, including the Public Works Department (JKR), the police, and the concession company Belati Wangsa," he said when contacted tonight.
Photos of the incident had been circulating on social media, including WhatsApp, with several images and videos showing the elephant being rescued from the drain.
The video also depicted the elephant's failed attempt at climbing out of the drain.
It was previously reported that a 55-year-old man was seriously injured after being trampled by an elephant while stopping to relieve himself near the location of the incident on April 11.
It is understood that the location is indeed a roaming area for wild elephants inhabiting the Amanjaya Forest Reserve, Gerik.