PENANGAH: September 16, 2026 – The Penangah community continues to play an important role in efforts to create a safe and harmonious coexistence with Borneo elephants, particularly in addressing issues and risks of human-elephant conflict involving local communities.
The commitment was demonstrated through the World Elephant Day celebration at the Penangah mukim level, which brought together about 600 participants at the Penangah Open Hall on Sept 15.
Earthworm Foundation project leader Juhana Johnny said local community involvement is crucial as Penangah residents are among those directly facing the presence and movement of elephants in the area.
Juhana said the community’s experience and knowledge of local conditions can be harnessed to raise awareness, reduce the risk of conflict and help ensure the safety of both people and elephants continues to be given attention.
“Programmes like this provide a space for the community and various parties to share experiences and strengthen cooperation in addressing human-elephant conflict issues,” Juhana said.
Juhana said an approach that directly involves the community is also important to build understanding that elephant conservation is not solely the responsibility of relevant agencies, but requires the participation of communities facing the issue on the ground.
Various awareness and community activities were held from Sept 11 to 15, including drawing and colouring competitions, a sports carnival, football and an exhibition on Borneo elephant conservation.
In Masiung’s speech text, read out by Ronley, it was stressed that elephant conservation requires continuous cooperation among communities, local leaders, government agencies, the private sector and conservation organisations.
According to Masiung, such cooperation across all parties is important to ensure elephant-related issues can be addressed effectively, while creating conditions that allow humans and Borneo elephants to coexist safely and harmoniously.
