.png)
Heartbreak on the Highway: Malaysia
On May 11, 2025, a heart-wrenching tragedy occurred on Malaysia’s East-West Highway when a five-year-old baby elephant was struck and killed by a lorry. The collision not only took the life of the young elephant but also left a mother in visible anguish, standing beside her dead calf for hours. This emotional scene, captured on video, has since spread across social media, igniting public outrage and raising urgent questions about the protection of wildlife in Malaysia. The accident is part of a larger, increasingly prevalent issue in Malaysia: the growing number of wildlife-vehicle collisions. As roads and highways continue to expand through forested regions, the risk of such tragic incidents increases, particularly for large mammals like elephants, which are already endangered. These incidents are not only heartbreaking but also expose the larger failure of the infrastructure to adequately account for the country's wildlife needs. In light of this, the case of the baby elephant serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for wildlife corridors, designated areas where animals can safely cross busy roads throughout Malaysia. The death of this young elephant is not an isolated case. It highlights the pressing need for policy changes, infrastructure reevaluation, and intensified conservation efforts to prevent further loss of life and ensure the safety of endangered wildlife in Malaysia. This tragedy demands immediate action to implement wildlife crossings and enhance road safety for animals nationwide.
