CHUKAI, May 12 — A total of 2,361 wild animals were reportedly killed in vehicle collisions throughout the country from 2020 to today.
Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said Pahang logged the most roadkills at 765, followed by Perak (478), Kelantan (224), Terengganu (201), and Negeri Sembilan (187).
“If we look at species, elephants were involved in eight deaths — one in 2020, two each in 2021 and 2024, and this year there have been three deaths (including a baby elephant yesterday).
“There has been a slight increase in Malayan Tiger deaths — with no deaths recorded in 2020 till 2022, one in 2023, three in 2024, and one so far this year,” he told reporters after a vehicle enforcement operation here today.
The government has conducted and is currently conducting various initiatives to curb wildlife roadkill, including an increased allocation of RM250 million this year to enable state governments to increase forest reserve areas, and create more elephant sanctuaries in Johor, Pahang, Perak and Terengganu.
Yesterday, a video that went viral showed an adult female elephant trying and failing to move a lorry to save its baby, which was hit and pinned by the vehicle.
In other developments, Nik Nazmi said that as of March this year, 90,024 vehicles were inspected under Op Gerak, with 248 compounds issued for various offences.
Op Gerak was conducted to step up enforcement on motor vehicles to ensure compliance in terms of exhaust emissions and noise levels to curb air pollution due to vehicle emissions.
“In today’s operation, 21 vehicles were inspected, including diesel and petrol lorries, petrol vans and motorcycles, and from the total one vehicle was issued a notice over excessive noise,” he said.
On the uncertain hot and dry weather conditions that are expected to last till middle or end of May, Nik Nazmi said they would hold talks with various ministries and departments to coordinate all actions.
He also voiced his intentions to hold talks with his Asean counterparts on various matters, including hot weather and climate change.
— Bernama
