Malaysian Deputy Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Dr Hamim Samuri told listeners at the Biodiversity Seminar 2017 held yesterday that in the last five years, 2,130 wild animals have been killed on our country’s roads.
Of those, most are endangered species that include tapirs (no!), sun bears (No!), elephants (NO!), mountain goats (NOO!) and tigers (NOOOOOO!).
Tapirs are the biggest victims of road kill accidents, with many of the animals crossing roads to find shelter, food, and mates.
The deputy minister asked for drivers to be aware when driving in forested areas.
Earlier this year, Wildlife and National Parks officials pleaded with motorists driving through wildlife areas to pay attention to the sign boards and drive with caution, after a baby elephant was left abandoned on the side of the road after being hit by a vehicle.
Officials clarified that the correct protocol for motorists who hit animals, is to report the incident so that the authorities can investigate, perhaps add extra precautions and warnings.
Also, it would allow for the animals to have a proper burial, as opposed to leaving it to die on the side of the road, like a discarded apple core.
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