Perhilitan expects to see a drop in elephant-human conflict now that the Johor Elephant Sanctuary is open. — THOMAS YONG/The Star THE Johor Elephant Sanctuary (JES) has an important role to play in helping to reduce the number of clashes between humans and elephants in the state. JES, the second elephant sanctuary in Malaysia, doubles up as a tourist attraction for animal lovers to get close to the jumbos. More importantly, it serves as a training ground to train wild elephants to stay away from areas inhabited by humans. Johor Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) director Salman Saaban said the Perhilitan sanctuary in Kota Tinggi, built at a cost of RM15mil, had been operational since December last year.