A TOTAL of 2,361 wild animals have died in road collisions across Malaysia from 2020 to the present, according to the Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.
Speaking on Monday during the Motor Vehicle Enforcement Operation, Nik Nazmi revealed that Pahang recorded the highest number of wildlife road fatalities during the period, with 765 deaths, followed by Perak (478), Kelantan (224), Terengganu (201), and Negeri Sembilan (187).
“In terms of species, elephants recorded eight deaths, one in 2020, two each in 2021 and 2024, and so far this year, we’ve recorded three, including the baby elephant whose death went viral on Sunday,” he said.
“There has also been a slight increase in Malayan tiger deaths. None were recorded from 2020 to 2022, but in 2023 we recorded one, and in 2024 there were three. As of this year, one Malayan tiger has been involved in a fatal road incident,” he added.
The minister’s remarks follow a viral incident on Sunday, where a baby elephant was killed in a collision with a container lorry on the East–West Highway (Jalan Raya Timur-Barat) near Gerik–Jeli, in Perak.
Social media footage showed the young elephant trapped beneath the lorry, while an adult elephant, believed to be its mother, was seen desperately trying to push the vehicle in an attempt to save her calf.
The tragic scene sparked a wave of public emotion and renewed concerns about road safety in wildlife corridors.
Quoted by Bernama, Nik Nazmi said the government has taken and is continuing to take measures to reduce wildlife deaths on roads, particularly involving endangered species like elephants.
He said one major initiative includes increasing federal funding to RM250 mil this year to support state governments in expanding forest reserve areas, which are crucial for maintaining safe habitats and migration paths for wildlife.
Additionally, the government is actively working to establish more elephant sanctuaries, with new locations planned in Johor, Pahang, Perak, and Terengganu, he added. —May 13, 2025
Main image: South China Morning Post
