Wildlife Road Kills on the Rise in Malaysia

Strategic Insights -

Between 2020 and the present, a total of 2,361 wild animals were reported to have been killed by vehicle collisions across the country. According to Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Pahang recorded the highest number of roadkills with 765 animals, followed by Perak with 478 animals, Kelantan with 224 animals, Terengganu with 201 animals, and Negeri Sembilan with 187 animals. The most severe impact is on elephant populations, with eight recorded deaths between 2020 and the present, including a baby elephant that went viral on social media after being killed by a container lorry.

Key Takeaways:

  • The state with the highest recorded road kills in Malaysia is Pahang, with 765 animals reported killed.
  • Perak recorded the second-highest number of road kills with 478 animals, followed by Kelantan with 224 animals, Terengganu with 201 animals, and Negeri Sembilan with 187 animals.
  • Elephant deaths have increased, with no recorded deaths in 2020, two in 2021, two in 2022, one in 2023, three in 2024, and three so far this year.
  • The government has allocated RM250 million to enable state governments to increase the area of their forest reserves and create more elephant sanctuaries.
  • Operations Gerak inspection yielded 248 compounds for various offences out of 90,024 vehicles inspected as of March this year.
  • A total of 21 vehicles were inspected during the latest operation, with one vehicle issued a notice over excessive noise.
  • The government plans to hold talks with various ministries and departments to coordinate actions on the hot and dry weather conditions and climate change.

Statistics:

  • A total of 2,361 wild animals were reported to have been killed by vehicle collisions from 2020 to present.
  • Pahang recorded 765 roadkills, followed by Perak with 478, Kelantan with 224, Terengganu with 201, and Negeri Sembilan with 187.
  • Elephant deaths: 1 in 2020, 2 in 2021, 2 in 2022, 1 in 2023, 3 in 2024, and 3 so far this year.
  • Increased allocation of RM250 million to enable state governments to increase the area of their forest reserves and create more elephant sanctuaries.
  • Ops Gerak inspection yielded 90,024 vehicles inspected with 248 compounds issued as of March this year.
  • 21 vehicles inspected during the latest operation, with 1 vehicle issued a notice over excessive noise.

Sources:

  • Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad
  • Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability
  • Ops Gerak enforcement operation
  • Malaysian government initiatives to curb wildlife road kills and climate change