13/05/2025

TUESDAY | MAY 13, 2025

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Death of elephant calf sparks widespread public outrage

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesunndaily.com

In the capital, worshippers began arriving at the iconic Buddhist Maha Vihara Temple in Brickfields from 8am to take part in ceremonies commemorating the birth, enlightenment and passing of Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism. The celebration also drew local visitors and foreign tourists eager to experience the occasion and gain a deeper understanding of Buddhist traditions. Among them was M. Rajan, 45, a Hindu, who said he attended the event to honour his Buddhist friends and learn more about their beliefs. “Malaysia is a multicultural and multireligious country. I believe it’s important for us to respect other faiths and celebrate together. This is one of the ways we can nurture harmony,” he told Bernama yesterday. Filipino tourist Jonathan Reyes said he visited the temple to gain a deeper appreciation of local culture and religious celebrations. “It’s nice to see how peaceful and respectful the atmosphere is. I’m not a Buddhist, but being here has given me a greater understanding and appreciation of Malaysia’s spiritual diversity,” he said. In Selangor, visitors thronged the Fo Guang Shan Dong Zen Temple in Jenjarom, Kuala Langat, one of the main destinations and top choices for thousands of Buddhists during the annual PETALING JAYA: The death of a baby elephant along the Gerik-Jeli Highway on Sunday has sparked widespread outrage online, with renewed calls for improved road safety measures to protect wildlife. The elephant calf was killed after being struck by a lorry transporting chickens. Videos shared on social media showed the calf’s mother standing beside the body, which was pinned under the vehicle for more than five hours, refusing to leave the scene. The incident has intensified public pressure on authorities to enforce stricter regulations and promote cross-agency cooperation to reduce wildlife fatalities on Malaysian highways. Speaking to theSun , wildlife documentary producer and NGO Rimau president Lara Ariffin said the tragedy reflects deeper environmental issues, particularly habitat fragmentation and forest encroachment, which are forcing wildlife to cross major roads. “Malaysia now has only a tiny portion of its forest cover left, and much of that is already fragmented. “When roads like the Gerik-Jeli Highway cut through forest corridors, wildlife such as elephants and tigers are left with no choice but to cross them in search of food or to reach other forested areas,” she said. The Gerik-Jeli Highway, also known as the East-West Highway, has

2,361 wild animals killed by vehicles in five years CHUKAI: A total of 2,361 wild animals have been killed in traffic crashes across the country since 2020. Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said Pahang was the state with the highest recorded roadkills with 765 animals, followed by Perak (478), Kelantan (224), Terengganu (201) and Negeri Sembilan (187). “If we look at species, elephants recorded eight deaths, one in 2020, two each in 2021 and 2024, and this year there has been three deaths (including the death of the baby elephant). “There has been a slight increase for Malayan tiger deaths, with no deaths recorded in 2020 until 2022, one in 2023, three in 2024, and one so far this year,” he said after a vehicle enforcement operation here yesterday. The government is conducting various initiatives to curb wildlife road kills, including an increased allocation of RM250 million this year to enable state governments to increase the area of their forest reserves, and also creating more elephant sanctuaries in Johor, Pahang, Perak and Terengganu. Nik Nazmi said as of March, 90,024 vehicles were inspected under Op Gerak and from the total, 248 compounds were issued for various offences. Op Gerak was conducted to step up enforcement on motor vehicles. – Bernama Among the measures he proposed was the construction of dedicated wildlife overpass or underpass in areas with frequent animal movement, particularly near forested regions. “The crossings should be designed based on the movement patterns of local species such as tapirs, elephants, and other vulnerable wildlife,” he said. Lee added that authorities should also consider installing fencing along highways to direct animals toward designated crossing points and prevent them from straying onto roads. He also emphasised the importance of public education on wildlife conservation and the need for cautious driving in areas known to be inhabited by wildlife. “By investing in wildlife crossings and taking proactive measures to protect our natural heritage, we can ensure the safety of both our wildlife and our citizens. The time to act is now, before more lives, human and animal, are lost to preventable accidents,” he added.

Simply slow down and drive past. If an injured animal is spotted, especially a tiger, report it immediately to the wildlife department. Do not attempt to engage with it.” She added that the Gerik-Jeli Highway is no ordinary road and must be approached with caution. “This is a critical crossing for wildlife. Without better regulation and awareness, more animals will continue to die.” Echoing similar opinion, animal welfare advocate Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said wildlife crossings are crucial in preventing tragic incidents involving animals being struck by vehicles while attempting to cross roads in search of food. In a statement, Lee said such collisions not only lead to the loss of valuable wildlife but also pose serious risks to motorists, potentially resulting in injuries and, in some cases, fatalities. He also urged the authorities to take immediate action to protect both wildlife and road users to significantly reduce such accidents.

o Implement speed traps, bumps to slow down traffic, build overpass or underpass in areas with frequent animal movement to prevent killing, say wildlife advocates

action,” she said. The wildlife advocate described the death of the calf as “heartbreaking”, adding that such incidents underscore the emotional capacity of wildlife and the toll development takes on their survival. When asked about immediate policy recommendations, Lara emphasised the urgency of enforcing traffic controls along the East-West Highway. “Apart from speed traps and bumps, enforcement and penalties – these are not difficult to implement. They should be a priority.” On public safety, Lara advised motorists to remain alert and avoid provoking animals encountered on the road. “Do not honk, do not harass.

seen repeated wildlife crossings and fatalities over the years. Hence, Lara believes more serious interventions are needed beyond roadside signboards and awareness campaigns. “We need to implement speed traps and bumps along the route to slow down traffic,” she said, noting that many vehicles travel well above the permitted speed limit.” She suggested that relevant authorities, including the Transport Ministry, Public Works Department and police, must work more closely with the Wildlife and National Parks Department to introduce targeted enforcement in key crossing zones. “This cannot be the responsibility of the wildlife department alone. It requires coordinated government

Devotees mark Wesak Day in harmonious spirit KUALA LUMPUR: This year’s Wesak Day celebration was marked by vibrant and harmonious gatherings, as Buddhist devotees filled temples across the nation to observe sacred rites.

Devotees celebrate Wesak Day by observing sacred rites at the Thai Buddhist

Chetawan Pagoda in Petaling Jaya

yesterday. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

Wesak Day celebrations. Temple manager Miao Yue, 52, said an estimated 30,000 devotees visited the temple since last Saturday. In Perak, over at the Enlightened Heart Tibetan Buddhist Temple in Tambun, thousands of devotees queued to light incense, scatter flower petals and perform the ceremonial bathing of Buddha statues. Scores of tourists also joined in the celebration. Wat Siribunya Maggarama in Jalan Raja Dihilir in Ipoh was similarly packed with devotees from all walks of life, with many families arriving as early as 8am, carrying flower bouquets and necessities such as rice to be donated to

held later in the evening to add a special touch to this year’s celebration. In Kelantan, Wat Prachumthat Chanaram in Tumpat was the focal point for Buddhists from across the country. The temple, which has hosted annual celebrations for over 40 years, organised various religious activities including a procession of flower offerings and candlelight walks around the stupa three times, a symbolic gesture in honour of the life of Siddharta Gautama. Committee member Thom Ija, 67, said nearly 200 devotees had gathered since last night to take part in the religious rituals, which will continue today.

the temple. In

Penang, Chaiya Mangalaram on Lorong Burma, Wat Buppharam in Jalan Perak, and Kek Lok Si in Air Itam were filled with visitors as early as 8am. The celebration was equally vibrant at the Malaysian Buddhist Association building in Jalan Burma, where devotees took part in religious rituals, including lighting incense and lotus-shaped candles. In Perlis, Wesak Day was marked with great enthusiasm as thousands of devotees gathered at the Perlis Buddhist Society building in Kangar for religious ceremonies led by 28 monks. Society chairman Tan Chan Sin said a float procession would be Wat