Johor Elephant Sanctuary upgrade 82pct complete, set for 2027 opening

KOTA TINGGI: The second phase of the Johor Elephant Sanctuary (JES) upgrade project is 82 per cent complete and is scheduled for full completion in the first quarter of 2027.

State Health and Environment Committee chairman Ling Tian Soon said the project, worth more than RM11 million, included the construction of new facilities to improve visitor comfort and ensure more systematic wildlife conservation management.

He said the new facilities included a visitor hall, security room, observation deck and a dedicated platform for viewing elephants.

"The opening of the sanctuary will allow the public to observe the elephants' daily routines up close in a safe and controlled environment.

"Elephants are among Johor's natural treasures that we must protect. Following several recent incidents of human-elephant conflict, efforts to conserve and protect wild elephants must continue.

"I hope JES will help the public learn more about the lives of elephants and understand the importance of protecting wildlife and maintaining environmental balance," he said in a statement yesterday.

He said the new phase was expected to further enhance JES's potential as an environmental education centre and a major ecotourism attraction in the state, while strengthening Johor's ongoing efforts to address human-elephant conflict.

Ling made a working visit to JES yesterday to inspect progress on the second phase of the sanctuary's upgrade project.