I REFER to the death of a tapir this week, which raised a massive outcry from netizens and the public.
Recent reports have also highlighted roadkills of tapirs, elephants, tigers and other wildlife.
The Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) views with great concern the increase of such incidences and calls on the authorities to ensure wildlife and human conflicts are tackled.
The conflicts are caused by the encroachments of development and highways on wildlife habitats. The East Coast Railway Link project will add to these conflicts.
The authorities must take steps to mitigate the deaths of wildlife.
A suggestion to set up a wildlife rescue unit in the Department of Wildlife and Parks (Perhilitan) should be looked into. More can be done to raise public awareness about the behaviour and handling of wildlife.
HENRY GOH
President, Malaysian Nature Society