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A TOTAL of 2,361 wild animals have been killed in road accidents across Malaysia between 2020 and 2024, with Pahang registering the highest number of fatalities, according to Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.
Speaking during a vehicle enforcement operation, Nik Nazmi said Pahang accounted for 765 of the deaths, followed by Perak (478), Kelantan (224), Terengganu (201), and Negeri Sembilan (187). The toll includes several endangered species such as elephants and Malayan tigers.
“In terms of species, eight elephants have died—one in 2020, two each in 2021 and 2024, and three so far this year, including the baby elephant whose tragic death went viral yesterday,” he said.
Bernama cited, Nik Nazmi also noted a rise in Malayan tiger deaths. “From 2020 to 2022, there were no deaths, but in 2023 one was recorded. In 2024, the number rose to three, and one more has already been recorded this year.”
His remarks came a day after a viral video showed a mother elephant attempting to lift a container lorry believed to have fatally struck her calf along the East-West Highway (JRTB) between Gerik and Jeli in Perak, sparking public grief and concern.
Nik Nazmi said the government is implementing various initiatives to address wildlife-vehicle collisions, including a RM250 million allocation this year to expand forest reserves across key states.
“The funding enables state governments to strengthen forest protection efforts,” he said, adding that plans are also under way to establish more elephant sanctuaries in Johor, Pahang, Perak and Terengganu.
Separately, the Minister shared updates on environmental enforcement. As of March, a total of 90,024 vehicles had been inspected under Ops Gerak, with 248 compounds issued for various offences.
“Today’s operation involved 21 vehicles including diesel and petrol lorries, petrol vans, and motorcycles. Only one vehicle received a notice for excessive noise,” he said.
The operation also included fuel sampling to ensure compliance with Euro 5 diesel standards at nearby petrol stations.
On the issue of unpredictable dry and hot weather expected to persist until late May, Nik Nazmi said his ministry would coordinate with other government agencies to align response measures.
He also plans to engage with ASEAN counterparts to discuss regional collaboration on climate resilience, including the current heatwave and broader climate change issues. - May 12, 2025