PETALING JAYA: An escaped ostrich caused a commotion when it was spotted bolting down the Federal Highway.
The video of the flightless bird speeding down the fast lane at about 3.20pm was uploaded by Jeff Sandhu on social media website Instagram.
"When I came by it, the ostrich was running from the Universiti Malaya bus stop heading towards the Federal Highway. It blocked traffic at the bus stop as cars stopped to see what was happening," he told The Star Online on Thursday.
"After the bus stop, it started running on the road. And the next thing you know, it ran all the way to the RTM building," he said.
It appeared that the ostrich also had no regard for rules, and ran "afowl" of basic road etiquette.
"It blocked up five lanes on the Federal Highway," said Sandhu, who explained that it took up so much space because the indecisive ostrich kept switching lanes.
"Everyone wasn't sure whether to overtake it or not so we stayed behind it," he added.
However, the ostrich adhered to at least one road rule.
"It was running within the speed limit, so that's OK," said Sandhu, who estimated the bird's general speed at about 35kmh before it grew tired and slowed down.
Sandhu stopped tailing the feathered fugitive at the RTM building because he had a meeting to attend.
"I had to stop following it by then because I had a meeting. I don't think anyone would believe me if I told them I was late because I was chasing after an ostrich," he said.
He also expressed some worry for his new friend, hoping that the bird finds its way home unharmed.
"I hope the ostrich doesn't get hurt and finds its way back home! Raya is coming and I'm sure everyone wants it to be home safe," he said, echoing the concerned sentiments of netizens who commented on his video.
There is no information yet on what the ostrich was doing or where it came from.
The Star Online is in the midst of contacting the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) and the Department of Veterinary Services to the status of the ostrich.
All attempts so far to apprehend the ostrich have been futile.
"We sent a team to locate and capture the ostrich but it could not be detected. It is likely that the bird has run to another area," an officer at the Seksyen 7 Petaling Jaya Fire and Rescue Department told The Star Online.
However, catching the bird was a delicate manner as it required some "interstate coordination".
"It is difficult as the bird was spotted at the border (between Kuala Lumpur and Selangor)," he quipped.
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