LPT2 told to review safety measures after MPV hits elephants

Works Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi said inspections found that the safety fence along the stretch of highway had collapsed, believed to have been damaged after being rammed by the herd of elephants.

"A technical team has been at the site to assess the extent of the damage and to coordinate repair works urgently.

"I have been informed that these repair works will begin by tomorrow at the latest," he said on Facebook.

Nanta said the concessionaire had also been directed to take immediate steps to increase the frequency of patrols, particularly at night, at high-risk locations.

He said he had also instructed the Malaysian Highway Authority to hold discussions with the East Coast Expressway Phase 2 (LPT2) concessionaire and the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) tomorrow to identify more effective long-term solutions.

Nanta also expressed sympathy to the two victims injured in the accident.

He advised highway users to remain alert at all times, observe speed limits and pay extra attention when passing areas identified as wildlife crossings.

Yesterday, a man and his wife were injured after the multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) they were travelling in hit a herd of elephants that suddenly crossed the LPT2 at about 10.20pm.