Grieving mother elephant over calf killed by truck sparks public outcry, reigniting calls for wildlife crossings

KUALA LUMPUR, May 12 — Heartbreaking images of a mother elephant trying for hours to save her calf after it was struck by a truck in northern Malaysia have gone viral, sparking renewed calls for dedicated wildlife crossings in the biodiverse nation.

The incident occurred early Sunday morning along the Gerik-Jeli Highway, when a truck hit the young elephant. Photos showing the distressed mother attempting to move the vehicle quickly spread online, drawing widespread sympathy and concern.

The adult elephant was later sedated and relocated to rejoin its herd, while authorities removed the calf’s remains, according to news reports.

In response, wildlife advocates urged the government to accelerate the development of safe wildlife crossings along the highway, which already features caution signs for drivers.

“Every year, we see tragic cases where animals like tapirs are killed while crossing roads in search of food,” said Lee Lam Thye, a veteran activist and former politician. “These accidents not only endanger wildlife but also pose serious risks to motorists.”

Law Teik Hua, head of the Road Safety Research Centre at Universiti Putra Malaysia, recommended solutions such as motion sensors, rumble strips, and elevated crossings. “Combined with better signage and public education, these measures can significantly reduce crash risks,” he told the New Straits Times.

According to Malaysia’s Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, 2,361 wild animals have been killed in road accidents since 2020 — including eight elephants.

Malaysia is among the world’s most biodiverse nations, home to over 360 mammal species, including elephants and tapirs, that inhabit its lush tropical rainforests. — AFP