PETALING JAYA: Initiatives such as wildlife crossings must be implemented to prevent a recurrence of such incidents as the collision along the East-West Highway that killed a baby elephant, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
"Every year, we witness tragic incidents where animals like tapirs are struck by vehicles while crossing roads in search of food," the animal welfare advocate said in a statement on Monday (May 12).
"These collisions not only result in the loss of precious wildlife but also pose significant risks to drivers, leading to injuries and, in some cases, fatalities.
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"Wildlife crossings are essential infrastructure that can help mitigate these risks.
"They provide a safe passage for animals, allowing them to move freely between fragmented habitats without the danger of encountering speeding vehicles."
On Sunday (May 11), an elephant calf died after it was hit by a lorry at KM80 of the Gerik-Jeli stretch of the highway, causing its mother to go on a rampage and damage the front of the vehicle.
