In the wake of public outraged over the recent death of a baby elephant on the East-West Highway, Malaysia’s Ministry of Works has pledged to make dedicated wildlife crossings a standard feature in all future highways and road projects.
In a statement posted on Facebook, the ministry assured the public that it would incorporate wildlife-friendy infrastructure in collaboration with the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) and the Public Works Department (JKR). Citing an existing example, referenced the underpass tunnel constructed along the Taiping Selatan-Beruas stretch of the West Coach Expressway (WCE), designed especially to allow safe animal crossings.
“The Ministry of Works, through it’s agencies such as the LLM and JKR, will ensure that this element is incorporated into the design and construction of new roads and highways”, the post read. “Close collaboration with the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) will continue to ensure ongoing improvements in wildlife conservation”.
The ministry also reminded the motorist to drive with caution, particularly in known wildlife crossing zones, which are marked with visible signage and equipped with streetlight. It expressed gratitude to the public for their continued concern and support for the protection of wildlife.
The tragic incident involving the baby elephant has built conversations about human-wildlife conflict and the urgent need for infrastructure that does not jeopardize the country’s biodiversity.
Wildlife advocates have urged for improved infrastructure planning, warning rapid development continues to encroach on natural habitats.
Sources: Malay Mail
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