The nation mourns the death of the calf in an accident in Perak over the weekend, and efforts were carried out to relocate the grieving mother elephant.
The Ministry of Works also announced that RM4 million has been allocated to install street lights at 39 hotspots for wildlife crossings, but the World Wide Fund (WWF) Malaysia has another suggestion.
Install speed bumps at hotspots for wildlife crossings
In a statement last night (May 12), WWF highlighted that signboards that warn of wild animals alone are insufficient to ensure the safety of both road users and the animals that roam the areas. Installing speed bumps, on the other hand, is seen as an intervention that can force drivers to slow down, saving many lives and improving the safety of road users.
“This tragedy is not an isolated incident. It reflects the urgent need to improve wildlife protection measures along the highway, which is known as a hotspot for animal crossings.”
WWF also pointed out that the existing warning signs do not have a powerful and significant impact on reducing the rate of animal accidents.
An elephant sanctuary is being built
WWF-Malaysia also praised the efforts of the Perak Wildlife and National Parks Department (PERHILITAN) in developing the Perak Elephant Sanctuary, which is expected to be completed by 2029.
According to the organisation, the sanctuary will provide a safer habitat for elephants and reduce human-animal conflict, but it stressed that short-term measures also need to be implemented immediately.
WWF-Malaysia also reminded all road users to abide by the rules as parts of nature belong to the wild animals.
“These animals have lived here long before roads. Drive like it.”
“An elephant remembers, so must we.”
A witness to the accident also shared his heartbreaking experience of the accident, where he heard the mother elephant crying while her calf was stuck under the lorry. You can read the story below.
