GERIK: Police believe the elephant attack that damaged a car along the Gerik-Jeli East-West Highway last night was likely triggered by a horn blast that startled the animals.

This is based on a report lodged by a 39-year-old man, the owner of the damaged vehicle, on the incident that took place along KM11 of the highway.

District police chief Superintendent Zulkifli Mahmood said the incident occurred at about 8.15pm when the driver, traveling in a Toyota Vios from Jeli towards Gerik, encountered a group of elephants crossing the road.

Zulkifli said the driver had stopped his vehicle and switched off the headlights upon noticing the animals.

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"While the driver was waiting, a vehicle behind sounded its horn, possibly startling the elephants.

"Three elephants then approached the car, prompting the driver to exit the vehicle in panic to save himself," he said in a statement today.

Although the car sustained significant damage to the front, rear, and both sides, Zulkifli said the driver was uninjured.

"Following the encounter, the man lodged a report at the Gerik police station at 11.36pm," he added.

Zulkifli also advised motorists to exercise extreme caution when driving through forested or wildlife-prone areas, especially at night.

"Road users are reminded not to honk or use high beams when encountering elephants, and to follow safety guidelines issued by authorities," he said.

Earlier today, the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) confirmed the incident, adding that a report was received from four Civil Defence Force personnel who were at the scene at 8.40pm.