LIPIS: Orang Asli padi farmers in Simpang Gening and Kampung Nangka Belantara, near Pos Lenjang, are in distress after wild elephants destroyed large portions of their rice crops.
Over the past three days, the mammals ravaged four hectares of hill padi (padi huma), causing nearly 10 Orang Asli farmers from the Semai tribe to suffer losses.
Simpang Gening paddy farmer Daruddin Rahim said two elephants have been spotted entering his 0.8ha plantation during the night.
"The animals entered the farms and stepped on the young paddy which were planted less than two months ago. We are anticipating the next harvesting season within the next three months.
"Besides the young paddy, the elephants also encroached into the village to eat tapioca and bananas planted near the paddy plantation. In the past, some farmers would stay awake at night to chase the elephants that entered the farms," he said, adding the paddy is grown for their own consumption.
Meanwhile, Jamil Bongsu said the incidents involving elephants entering human settlements in search of food will only result in losses to the farmers.
"The elephants will destroy the banana, tapioca and oil palm which is sold to support our families. We cannot do much to prevent the elephants from entering the farms.
"We will usually only chase them away or burn firewood to scare them. We must also take care of our safety, in case the animals retaliate," he said.