Malaysia Improves 40 Elephant Crossings to Prevent Accidents

Malaysia Identifies and Improves 40 Elephant Crossing Points to Enhance Road Safety In a proactive move to mitigate the risk of elephant-vehicle collisions, the Malaysian government has identified and upgraded 40 known elephant crossing points across the country. These locations, previously hazardous for both wildlife and drivers, have been equipped with prominent warning signs and improved street lighting. The initiative, spearheaded by the Perak Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan), aims to provide early warnings to motorists and enhance the safety of both elephants and road users. "We've been working on this for years," said Yusoff Shariff, Director of Perhilitan Perak, in an interview featured in a recent Berita RTM video. "This isn't something we just started. We've installed warning signs at these locations and, in collaboration with the Public Works Department (JKR), added lighting to improve visibility." Shariff emphasized the importance of driver awareness, particularly at night when the risk of collisions is higher. The improvements extend beyond signage and lighting. The government is also implementing public awareness campaigns to educate drivers about the presence of elephants in these areas and encourage safe driving practices. This multi-pronged approach demonstrates a commitment to both wildlife conservation and road safety. The successful implementation of this project serves as a model for other countries facing similar challenges in balancing infrastructure development with wildlife protection.