Terengganu: Greater cooperation is needed to reduce human-wildlife conflict, particularly involving elephants near roads and expressways, Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar said. As such, he called for closer coordination among relevant parties, including the Wildlife and National Parks Department and the Malaysian Highway Authority.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, possible measures include more patrols at identified hotspots and electric fencing near wildlife habitats and roaming routes. 'The highways cover such a long distance, but electric fencing could be considered along stretches close to wildlife habitats. Installing electric fencing along extensive routes would be costly, but various measures, including technology, are being explored to prevent more human-wildlife conflict,' Ahmad Samsuri said after opening the state-level World Ranger Day 2026 celebration at Wisma Darul Iman.

The menteri besar said the recent collision involving a herd of elephants on the East Coast Expressway 2 (LPT2) was a tragedy that highlighted risks to both wildlife and road users. 'Highway patrols should be strengthened, particularly during the rainy season when animals may leave their habitats in search of shelter. Both animal and human lives matter. What happened on LPT2 was a tragedy, and we extend our sympathies to those involved,' he said, adding that technology capable of providing early warnings of wildlife movements should be considered as a long-term measure.

In a recent incident on Aug 5, a man and his wife were injured when their Toyota Estima struck a herd of elephants at Km 274.6 of LPT2, after the Cheneh Toll Plaza towards Kuala Terengganu.