LLM, LPT2 concessionaire and Perhilitan told to find immediate solution after elephant crash

PETALING JAYA – The Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) has been directed to hold discussions tomorrow with the East Coast Expressway 2 (LPT2) concessionaire and the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) to find a long-term solution to wildlife crossings along the highway.

Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the directive followed an accident involving a vehicle and a herd of elephants at KM274.6 northbound on the LPT2, near the Cheneh-Chukai stretch, last night.

He said the LPT2 concessionaire had also been ordered to take immediate steps to increase the frequency of patrols, especially at night, at high-risk locations.

"The area concerned is fitted with safety fencing to prevent wildlife from entering the highway alignment, but parts of it were brought down, believed to be due to a charge by the elephant herd.

"I have directed the LPT2 concession company to act immediately to repair the damaged fencing according to the specifications set," he said in a statement today.

Repair works would begin by tomorrow at the latest, he said, with a technical team already on site to assess the extent of the damage and coordinate urgent repairs.

"Improvements to lighting at risk locations are also needed, including the scope of the light-emitting diode lamp installation project, studied from the technical angle and the need for its implementation along the affected area," he said.

Alexander Nanta said the ministry viewed the matter seriously as it involved not only road user safety but was also closely tied to the increasingly challenging management of human-wildlife conflict.

"Highway users must always be careful, comply with speed limits and raise their level of vigilance, especially when passing through wildlife movement areas.

"I also wish to record my sympathy for the two victims injured in the accident on the LPT2 last night," he added.

Kosmo! earlier reported that a husband and wife had a terrifying experience after the multi-purpose vehicle they were travelling in failed to avoid a herd of wild elephants at Kilometre 274.6 of the LPT2, after the Cheneh toll plaza exit, last night.