STATE Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said the Sabah Wildlife Department is investigating the death of a man who was trampled by an elephant.
Asked whether such incidents could be covered under the group insurance scheme announced by the State Government last year, Jafry said the matter would be explored.
The State Cabinet last year approved a Group Insurance Scheme offering free personal accident coverage to approximately 3.5 million Sabahans. The coverage, available to those aged one month to 80 years, will be provided automatically through state-owned Progressive Insurance Bhd.
Beneficiaries are entitled to up to RM10, 000 in accident protection and an additional RM500 in death benefit at no cost. The scheme runs for an initial period of three years, from May 1, 2025 to April 30, 2028
“We will discuss and study the possibility of putting it in an insurance policy,” Jafry said, adding that any assistance would be limited to local citizens and would require proper verification procedures before a decision is made.
He was met after officiating the launch of three new wildlife conservation initiatives by the Department, which, he said, were aimed at addressing human-wildlife conflict and protecting Sabah’s natural heritage.
The initiatives include the behavioural change campaign against turtle egg consumption, a new Sea Turtle Action Plan and updated hatchery standard operating procedures.
“This campaign is necessary. We know that the leatherback turtle is a protected animal and we must work together with all stakeholders, including non-governmental organisations and plantation operators alike to collectively preserve this heritage on Sabah’s soil,” Jafry said.
He also addressed the issue of turtle eggs allegedly entering the local market, suggesting some may have slipped through from areas near the Philippine border where certain rights to such produce are permitted under customary arrangements.
“We have two to three cases that we have already prosecuted, as a deterrent to show that we are serious about protecting this as our protected area,” he said.
On a separate but related matter, Jafry said the wildlife enforcement taskforce, which is being questioned by several leaders over its effectiveness, remains active.
He said a meeting is scheduled later this week to finalise action plans involving multiple government departments.
“It is not only talk but definitely action will be taken,” he said, adding the key focus would be ensuring legal compliance among tourism operators.
