Making room for elephants

"We're working to increase people's tolerance, to increase connectivity space for elephants and to find a long-term solution," she said.

Based in Sukau, a hamlet on the crocodile-infested banks of the Kinabatangan River, Seratu Aatai runs an outreach program in plantation schools, distributes information pamphlets and has designated "community wildlife guardians" who help usher away elephants that have wandered into human habitation.

"Before, we didn't know how to manage living near them," said homestay owner Firah Kazenn, 21, who recently encountered elephants behind her home in Sukau.

"The elephants were unmonitored, and many were lost to conflict. Now, with the Seratu Aatai unit, they are protected, and the community is actively involved too," Firah said.

"We've learned safe ways to guide the elephants away when they come too close to our homes, without harming them," she added.