New Roads, Highways Need Wildlife Tunnels - KKR

KUALA LUMPUR, May 13 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Highway Authority and Public Works Department will ensure all new roads and highways will be designed and built with wildlife tunnels to create safe passages for these animals.

The Works Ministry (KKR) in a statement cited the construction of the tunnel by the West Coast Expressway (WCE) in the Taiping Selatan-Bruas stretch as an example after receiving advice and approval from the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan).

"Congratulations and thank you to the WCE concession company for preserving a dedicated underpass tunnel route to allow wildlife habitat to move from one forest area to another, crossing the highway safely," said the ministry's statement.

Additionally, the KKR said close cooperation between the ministry and Perhilitan will continue to ensure the preservation of wildlife is constantly enhanced.

"We hope vehicle drivers will slow down and exercise caution when passing through identified wildlife crossing locations marked by signs and streetlights," according to the ministry.

Meanwhile, Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said he will order a review of all high-risk wildlife crossing areas across the country soon and this will include considering the use of technology such as animal movement sensors.

"I urge all parties, including road users and local communities, to work together to maintain the safety and sustainability of our country's environment. Wildlife is also part of the nation's invaluable treasure.

"Sustainable development is not just about building roads, but ensuring we do not lose our natural heritage in the process," he said in a Facebook post today.

He also said that several initiatives have been implemented by his ministry to address wildlife crossing issues, including the construction of special routes such as eco-viaducts and underground tunnels at locations identified as migration paths for elephants and other animals.

Among the locations involved are the Kuala Lumpur-Karak Highway (KLK), East Coast Highway Phase 2 (LPT2), Central Spine Road (CSR), East-West Highway (Gerik-Jeli), and the Taiping Selatan-Bruas stretch on the West Coast Expressway (WCE).

Previously, several video recordings went viral on social media showing a female elephant trying to push a truck after her calf was killed by a lorry in an accident around 2.50 am on Sunday.

-- BERNAMA