Dungun: A male tapir died after being hit by a car at Kilometre 8, Jalan Bandar Al-Mukhtafi Billah Shah-Paka near Kampung Santong here, last night. Terengganu Wildlife and National Parks Department (PERHILITAN) director Loo Kean Seong reported that the 300-kilogramme tapir was struck while crossing the road to the nearby forest at 10 pm.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, an examination found signs of injury on the tapir's head and body. Loo Kean Seong confirmed that two PERHILITAN personnel had taken the tapir's carcass for disposal. It is understood that the tapir was hit by a Volkswagen car driven by a 49-year-old teacher.

In a related incident on January 24, a 200-kilogramme tapir was hit by a motorcycle at Kilometre 320.5 of the East Coast Highway 2 (LPT2) after exiting Kerteh, Kemaman, at 1 am. The 19-year-old motorcyclist involved also died at the scene.