NEW housing projects will take into account the existence of wildlife threats in the area, said Deputy Local Government Development Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir. 

He said this is following an increase in reports regarding the presence of wild animals such as elephants in residential areas, especially in rural areas. 

He said the Local Government Development Ministry will work with the Wildlife Protection and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) to ensure such incidents do not recur.

“There have been cases of wild animals wandering into residential areas lately, so we need to work with Perhilitan to prevent further harm to both the residents and the wild animals. 

“The developers and PBTs (local authorities) need to ensure they comply with the decision and continuous monitoring must also be carried out,” he told reporters after distributing mandarins to the public in conjunction with Chinese New Year celebration at the Taman Pelangi market in Johor Baru today. 

Clips of wild animals wandering into residential areas in several states, including Johor, Kelantan and Pahang, have recently gone viral on social media. 

Akmal Nasrullah, who is also Johor Baru MP, said his ministry is looking at more accurate data and statistics regarding “sick” and abandoned housing projects. 

“In the past month, I have collected data regarding problematic projects and the ministry is trying its best to find solutions to those projects, but it may take some time because the projects also involve private developers,” he said. – January 16, 2023.