Kuala Lumpur: A total of 2,361 wild animals have been reported killed in vehicle collisions across the country from 2020 to now, according to Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad. The minister highlighted that Pahang recorded the highest number of roadkill incidents with 765 animals, followed by Perak with 478, Kelantan with 224, Terengganu with 201, and Negeri Sembilan with 187.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, elephants accounted for eight deaths, with the numbers distributed as one in 2020, two each in 2021 and 2024, and three so far this year. This includes the recent death of a baby elephant that gained significant attention on social media. Malayan Tiger deaths have also seen a slight increase, with one death recorded in 2023, three in 2024, and one reported this year.
The government has been implementing initiatives to reduce wildlife road kills, including allocating RM250 million this year for state governments to expand forest reserves and creating more elephant sanctuaries in Johor, Pahang, Perak, and Terengganu. A recent viral video depicted a baby elephant killed by a container lorry, while an adult elephant, presumed to be its mother, attempted to move the lorry.
In other developments, Nik Nazmi disclosed that as of March this year, 90,024 vehicles were inspected under Ops Gerak, resulting in 248 compounds issued for various offences. The operation aims to enhance enforcement on motor vehicles to ensure compliance with exhaust emissions and noise levels, thereby reducing air pollution.
In the latest operation, 21 vehicles, including diesel and petrol lorries, petrol vans, and motorcycles, were inspected. Among them, one vehicle received a notice for excessive noise. Additionally, Nik Nazmi addressed the ongoing hot and dry weather conditions anticipated to persist until mid or late May. He plans to engage in discussions with various ministries, departments, and ASEAN counterparts to coordinate responses to issues such as hot weather and climate change.