Việt Nam News

Malaysia steps up efforts to reduce roadkill, protect wildlife

August 13, 2025 - 07:26

Short-term measures proposed include strengthening legislation, installing eco-friendly signboards, raising driver awareness, and encouraging responsible road behaviour, according to the Malaysian Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability.

An adult elephant is restrained after attacking a lorry, after its calf is killed by the vehicle along the East-West Highway, Malaysia in May 2025. — THE STAR/ANN Photo

KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia's Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability is intensifying efforts to address the alarming rise in wildlife roadkill incidents, with more than 2,300 cases recorded nationwide between 2020 and 2024.

The East-West Highway linking Gerik, Perak, and Jeli, Kelantan, has been identified as one of the deadliest stretches for wildlife.

“Protecting both human and wildlife safety on our roads is a shared responsibility. We must act now with practical, whole-of-society solutions to reduce roadkill and improve road safety,” the ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.

"The Ministry on July 17 through the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) and WWF-Malaysia, convened a High-Level Roundtable to identify urgent infrastructure measures for safer roads along the East-West Highway.

"The session gathered 60 stakeholders from key ministries, state governments, NGOs, the private sector, highway concessionaires, and the Selangor and Federal Territory Engineering & Motor Vehicle Parts Traders Association (EMPTA)."

The ministry said short-term measures proposed include strengthening legislation, installing eco-friendly signboards, raising driver awareness, and encouraging responsible road behaviour.

Medium and long-term solutions involve habitat enrichment, improving forest connectivity, and preserving existing wildlife crossings.

The ministry said these measures are being reinforced in conjunction with World Elephant Day (WED), celebrated annually on Aug 12, in line with the National Elephant Conservation Action Plan (NECAP 2.0).

As part of WED 2025, WWF-Malaysia signed a Memorandum of Agreement with EMPTA to promote road safety and reduce wildlife roadkill, involving transport companies, logistics providers, and other stakeholders in encouraging safe driving through ecological zones.

“World Elephant Day 2025 is an opportunity to strengthen public awareness of wildlife conservation, including elephants, and rally multi-stakeholder support to safeguard them for present and future generations,” added the ministry. — THE STAR/ANN

ASEAN urged to strengthen cooperation in skills training for workers

World

South Korean President Lee, Japan PM Ishiba to hold summit on August 23

World

Thailand, Cambodia to hold border talks amidst troop movements, minefield concerns

World

New Philippine-Japan defence deal to take effect on Sept. 11

World

Malaysia PM calls on ASEAN countries to continue promoting peace

World

ASEAN Hall inaugurated in Seoul

More on this story

World

Chinese women call for legally backed period leave

Some provinces and cities in China have taken initial steps to support period leave by issuing guidelines aimed at protecting women's right to paid rest during menstrual cycles.

World

China to cut costs of preschool education

For children enrolled at private kindergartens, their care and education fees will be reduced by an amount equivalent to comparable local public kindergartens. Private kindergartens may still charge the difference if their fees exceed this waiver level.

World

Foreign tourists to Thailand fall 6.5 per cent

Foreign tourist arrivals to Thailand dropped 6.56 per cent year-on-year to 19.57 million in the first seven months of 2025, according to the country’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports.

World

Thailand struggles to revive tourism amid sharp drop in Chinese visitors

Thailand is making concerted efforts to revitalise its tourism sector, which accounts for around 20 per cent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).

World

India, Philippines sign deals to strengthen strategic partnership

The two countries' leaders also discussed setting the terms of reference for negotiations on a possible Preferential Trade Agreement between Manila and New Delhi.

World

No clear winner in US tariff policy among ASEAN countries

While there are no clear winners, Laos and Myanmar can be considered losers under a US policy that is shaking up global supply chains, as manufacturers in those countries are subject to a steep 40 per cent US import duty.

World

Thailand and Cambodia begin crucial border talks in Malaysia

The main goals of the talks are to maintain a recent ceasefire agreement, discuss troop withdrawals, and establish safe or demilitarised zones along the border.

World

Indonesia Batik & Craft Festival 2025 showcases wide range of products

Visitors to the festival can explore a wide range of handmade products - from Batik fabrics and embroidered textiles to traditional accessories, cosmetics, and jewelry crafted from local materials and Kalimantan forest stones.

World

Russia intends to expand sea transportation to Laos through Việt Nam's ports

In 2024, Laos-Russia trade increased by 66 per cent, and by another 20 per cent for the first five months of 2025. The establishment of new transport routes is expected to facilitate the transportation of goods between the two countries.