Authorities must work with the public to prevent roadkill
HOW many more endangered animals must be killed before the issue of roadkill is addressed?
Saddened as we were over the last tapir roadkill, another one was reported on Dec 22 along Jalan Seremban-Kuala Pilah.
On Dec 24, in Terengganu, a sun bear was killed in an accident involving a motorcycle along the East Coast Expressway, while in Kuching, an adult male bear was slaughtered and sold in a market.
There is a trend of opportunists deskinning dead animals and removing their body parts.
The Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) views roadkills, as well as the public’s attitude towards the matter, with great concern as it reflects a lack of public understanding and enmity towards wildlife.
No report was shared on the investigation into the tapir roadkill incident.
It is most welcomed if the outcome of the investigation were to be made public.
MNS urges the authorities to intensify investigations to bring the offenders to justice and to look into ways to prevent a recurrence.
A concerted effort involving government agencies and departments, namely the Wildlife and Parks Department, the Forestry Department, police and the Attorney-General’s Chambers, is vital to find a long-term solution to the issue.
MNS and other non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are ready to assist and supplement the government’s effort.
MNS calls on the authorities to consult and include NGOs in a working committee to find a workable long-term plan to save and protect Malaysian wildlife and their habitats.
Take immediate measures to stop further incidents of roadkills before it is too late.