Aadhithyaa Anand, 12
Last month, a baby elephant was killed by a lorry in Perak when it suddenly tried to cross the road.
The heartbreaking scene showed the mother elephant standing beside her calf, refusing to leave.
This sad incident reminds us how important it is to protect wildlife. In Malaysia, elephants, tapirs and other animals live in forests, but with deforestation and development, their homes become smaller.
To survive, animals are forced to cross highways to find food, water or shelter. Sadly, some never make it.
Since 2020, almost 2,400 wild animals have been killed by vehicles nationwide in Malaysia, according to the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry.
Tamisha Ravi, 12
Pahang was the state with the highest recorded number of animal deaths on roads with 765, followed by Perak (478), Kelantan (224), Terengganu (201) and Negri Sembilan (187).
It is important to prevent the deaths of wildlife, especially on roads and highways, as they can affect the natural ecosystem and hasten the extinction of these animals.
One important solution is to build special road bridges and tunnels for animals. These are called wildlife crossings. They help animals cross roads safely, without coming into contact with vehicles.
Do you know that Canada’s Banff National Park in Alberta has over 40 wildlife bridges and underpasses? As a result, animal-vehicle accidents have reduced by more than 80%.
Malaysia also has wildlife crossings, including animal box culverts at the West Coast Expressway, and several ecoducts (also known as a wildlife bridge or green bridge) in Sungai Deka, Terengganu; Sungai Yu, Pahang; and Gerik, Perak.
But we need more of them – especially in places where animals often travel.
Animals cannot speak for themselves, but we can speak up for them. Let us do our part to keep wildlife safe.
Here are the letters from Starchild readers on the topic, Protecting Wildlife on Our Roads.
Jayden Tan Li Sheng, 12
Jayden Tan Li Sheng, 12, felt sad when he saw photos of the baby elephant trapped under a truck and the helpless mother unable to save her child.
“These tragedies happen because we keep destroying their homes. Trees offer shelter, safety and life for countless animals. Please do not cut down trees.
“Slow down when you are driving on roads with elephant sign boards because elephants may be crossing. Respect wildlife. Protect their habitat.
“They were here long before us and they deserve to live safely in their natural home. Therefore, we should stop deforestation, drive carefully in animal crossing zones, respect animal habitats and educate our communities.”
“I believe we need to educate more people especially students about the dangers of deforestation. When we cut down forests, we destroy the homes of animals like elephants, tapirs and birds. That is why we are seeing more animals on roads and in towns.
Michelle Tan Mei Kuan, 10
“They are not invading our space but we are taking away theirs. Let’s protect them before they go extinct,” says Michelle Tan Mei Kuan, 10.
Tamisha Ravi, 12, says: “I believe we need to install more signboards in areas where animals like elephants, tapirs and other wildlife are known to cross. These signs can save lives for both animals and humans by warning drivers to slow down and stay alert.”
“Animals should be safe too. We need to build special bridges or tunnels for them to cross highways. If we care about wildlife, we must protect them and make sure roads are safe for everyone,” says Aadhithyaa Anand, 12.
ITEM: Cats are one of the most popular pets in the world. Some say they are more manja (affectionate) than dogs – always meowing for attention, food or just to be near you!
Do you have a pet cat at home? What is your cat’s name and what makes it special? Maybe your cat is super playful, has a funny habit, or loves to nap in strange places.
But not everyone is a fan of cats – and that’s okay. If you are not a cat lover, tell us why. Do you prefer other pets? Or maybe you had a funny or strange experience with a cat? Don’t forget to send us a drawing.
Email your contributions to lifestyle@thestar.com.my by June 19. Please put “STARCHILD: Cats” in the subject line of your email.
Scanned drawings should be in jpeg format, with a resolution of 200dpi. Your contributions must carry your full name, age (open to children aged 12 and below only), gender, phone contact, and address. Instead of handwritten letters, please type out your letters.
