5 days ago
- Automotive
- New Straits Times
Govt to introduce eco-friendly signs, tougher laws to curb wildlife roadkill
KUALA LUMPUR: Installing eco-friendly road signs and tightening laws are among urgent actions the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry will take to curb wildlife roadkill.
The measures were outlined at a high-level roundtable on July 17, which focused on the East-West Highway (JRTB) linking Gerik, Perak, and Jeli, Kelantan — one of the country's worst stretches for wildlife fatalities.
In a statement, the ministry said more than 2,300 roadkill cases were recorded between 2020 and 2024, with the JRTB among the top hotspots.
Short-term steps include stricter laws, raising driver awareness, and promoting responsible road behaviour, while medium- and long-term actions cover habitat enrichment, improving forest connectivity, and preserving existing wildlife crossings.
The meeting brought together 60 representatives from key ministries, government agencies, state authorities, NGOs, highway concessionaires, and the Selangor and Federal Territory Engineering and Motor Parts Traders Association (Empta).
The ministry said implementation will be stepped up in conjunction with World Elephant Day on Aug 12, which highlights the need to conserve elephants and address threats to the species.
To mark the occasion, World Wildlife Fund (WWF)-Malaysia signed a memorandum of agreement with Empta to promote road safety and reduce wildlife roadkill through collaboration with transport and logistics companies.
