Latest news with #NECAP2.0
The Sun
2 days ago
- The Sun
Malaysia intensifies efforts to reduce wildlife roadkill on highways
PUTRAJAYA: The Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry (NRES) is ramping up efforts to address the alarming rise in wildlife roadkill incidents. More than 2,300 cases were recorded nationwide between 2020 and 2024, prompting urgent action. The East-West Highway, linking Gerik, Perak, and Jeli, Kelantan, has been flagged as a hotspot for such incidents. NRES, alongside PERHILITAN and WWF-Malaysia, has expressed serious concern over the escalating issue. A High-Level Roundtable Session was held on July 17 to discuss immediate solutions for safer road infrastructure. Short-term measures include stricter legislation, eco-friendly road signs, and public awareness campaigns for drivers. Medium- and long-term strategies focus on habitat restoration and improving forest connectivity for wildlife. These efforts align with World Elephant Day, observed annually on August 12, to highlight conservation needs. The National Elephant Conservation Action Plan (NECAP 2.0) further supports these initiatives. WWF-Malaysia has partnered with EMPTA to enhance road safety and reduce wildlife fatalities. The collaboration involves logistics firms and transport providers in promoting safer driving in ecological zones. - Bernama
The Sun
2 days ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
Malaysia tackles wildlife roadkill with eco-signs, new laws
PETALING JAYA: Stricter legislation, eco-friendly road signage and heightened driver awareness are among urgent measures to curb the alarming rise in wildlife roadkill across Malaysia. Concerned over the toll on both wildlife and motorists, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) — through the Department of Wildlife and National Parks and WWF-Malaysia — convened a high-level roundtable on July 17 to chart immediate and long-term strategies. In a statement today, NRES said the East–West Highway (Jalan Raya Timur-Barat, JRTB) linking Gerik, Perak, to Jeli, Kelantan, was identified as one of the worst-affected stretches. More than 2,300 incidents involving wild animals were recorded between 2020 and 2024. Short-term actions include strengthening wildlife protection laws, installing more visible and eco-friendly road signs, running awareness campaigns for motorists, and promoting responsible driving in known wildlife crossing zones. Medium and long-term measures will focus on restoring habitats, improving forest connectivity to reduce the need for animals to cross roads, and maintaining or upgrading existing wildlife crossings. 'These measures must be implemented proactively to improve safety for both humans and wildlife,' the ministry stated. The roundtable brought together 60 stakeholders from ministries, agencies, the private sector, and the Selangor and Federal Territory Engineering & Motor Parts Traders Association (EMPTA). The announcement comes ahead of World Elephant Day (WED), today (August 12), which raises awareness on elephant conservation and threats to the species. The ministry said the initiatives align with the National Elephant Conservation Action Plan (NECAP 2.0). In conjunction with WED 2025, WWF-Malaysia and EMPTA signed a memorandum of agreement to collaborate on road safety initiatives aimed at reducing wildlife roadkill. The partnership will involve transport companies, logistics service providers and other industry players in promoting safe driving through ecological zones. WWF-Malaysia said the collaboration will also address the role of heavy vehicles in roadkill incidents by ensuring drivers are better informed and alert in high-risk areas. The ministry urged all sectors of society — from government agencies to private companies and road users — to work together in reducing roadkill incidents. 'Protecting wildlife is a shared responsibility,' it said. 'By working together, we can safeguard our natural heritage for the well-being of current and future generations.' These measures follow a spate of roadkill accidents over the past year. One notable case occurred last May, when an elephant calf was struck and killed by a truck on the East–West Highway, prompting renewed calls for dedicated measures and wildlife crossings in Malaysia's animal-rich landscapes.
The Star
2 days ago
- General
- The Star
Malaysia steps up efforts to reduce roadkill, protect wildlife
KUALA LUMPUR: The Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry is intensifying efforts to address the alarming rise in wildlife roadkill incidents, with more than 2,300 cases recorded nationwide between 2020 and 2024. The East-West Highway linking Gerik, Perak, and Jeli, Kelantan, has been identified as one of the deadliest stretches for wildlife. 'Protecting both human and wildlife safety on our roads is a shared responsibility. We must act now with practical, whole-of-society solutions to reduce roadkill and improve road safety,' the ministry said in a statement Tuesday (Aug 12) "The Ministry on July 17 through the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) and WWF-Malaysia, convened a High-Level Roundtable to identify urgent infrastructure measures for safer roads along the East-West Highway. "The session gathered 60 stakeholders from key ministries, state governments, NGOs, the private sector, highway concessionaires, and the Selangor and Federal Territory Engineering & Motor Vehicle Parts Traders Association (EMPTA)" it said. The Ministry said short-term measures proposed include strengthening legislation, installing eco-friendly signboards, raising driver awareness, and encouraging responsible road behaviour. "Medium and long-term solutions involve habitat enrichment, improving forest connectivity, and preserving existing wildlife crossings. The ministry said these measures are being reinforced in conjunction with World Elephant Day (WED), celebrated annually on Aug 12, in line with the National Elephant Conservation Action Plan (NECAP 2.0). As part of WED 2025, WWF-Malaysia signed a Memorandum of Agreement with EMPTA to promote road safety and reduce wildlife roadkill, involving transport companies, logistics providers, and other stakeholders in encouraging safe driving through ecological zones. 'World Elephant Day 2025 is an opportunity to strengthen public awareness of wildlife conservation, including elephants, and rally multi-stakeholder support to safeguard them for present and future generations,' added the ministry.
