Remember this heartbreaking picture? After her calf was run over and killed, the mother elephant went on a rampage and destroyed the front of the lorry. She finally stod still, a picture of dejection, and let Perhilitan wrap a chain around her ankle ahead of moving her. — Photo courtesy of Perhilitan/May 2025
PETALING JAYA: Stronger commitments are needed to safeguard Malaysia’s biodiversity and advance sustainable nature-positive development, says WWF-Malaysia.
Responding to Budget 2026, the conservation group outlined several key aspects and called for greater attention towards wildlife crossings.
Referencing the crash involving an elephant calf this year, WWF-Malaysia said this was a heartbreaking episode for both Malaysians and foreigners alike.
The incident, which went viral on Mother’s Day, saw an elephant calf killed after being hit by a truck on the Gerik-Jeli stretch of the East-West Highway.
The crash caused its mother to go on a rampage, damaging the front part of the vehicle.
"We welcome attention towards road safety, upgrades and speed limit measures for heavy vehicles to reduce road accidents," WWF-Malaysia said in a statement on Friday night (Oct 10).
"At the same time, we also urge relevant ministries to continue working towards protecting both humans and wildlife, especially on roads that run through wildlife habitats," it added.
It said the RM250mil allocation for Ecological Fiscal Transfer (EFT) funds, with RM50mil set aside as state revenue, can be an effective strategy towards enhancing state buy-in.
This move will encourage greater fund utilisation for conservation activities.
"This is particularly so, if the funds set aside are intended for environmentally sustainable state initiatives to further their development agenda," it said.
However, it said the design and implementation of this mechanism must continue evolving to ensure the delivery of measurable conservation outcomes.
This includes supporting long-term ecosystem protection.
WWF-Malaysia stressed the importance of recognising the value of national waters for fisheries, biodiversity, sustainable tourism and the well-being of coastal communities.
"Budget 2026 makes limited reference to marine biodiversity and conservation although the inclusion of coastal erosion mitigation measures are a positive step forward," it said.
"Community stewardship and co-management play an essential role in sustaining both people and nature," it added.
It also noted limited attention towards waste management and wildlife conservation from threats besides poaching.
"Greater focus is needed towards a plastic reduction strategy and solid waste management plan to address pollution at its source," it said.
WWF-Malaysia added that a comprehensive adaptation plan that addresses climate impacts at their roots and builds resilience through nature-based solutions must also be implemented.
It also welcomed allocations towards repairing damages caused by the recent floods and landslides in Sabah.
On the inclusion of green initiatives and Malaysia’s carbon tax commitment, it said there is still uncertainty on how both nature and climate considerations are integrated into developments.
This includes concerns towards rare earth element mining and tourism projects in Unesco heritage sites.
It said stronger safeguards, compliance and enforcement mechanisms are equally critical to prevent environmental degradation.
