AN elderly man was injured after his car collided with a baby elephant that was crossing the road on the Nitar-Mersing route on Tuesday evening.
The 70-year-old driver sustained injuries to his neck and left wrist and is currently receiving treatment at Hospital Kluang.
According to Mersing District Police Chief Supt. Abdul Razak Abdullah Sani, the incident occurred around 9pm, when the man was driving his Toyota Altis from Kluang towards Mersing.
The vehicle struck the baby elephant, which was crossing the road with a group of other elephants.
The collision resulted in the elderly driver becoming trapped in his vehicle, and he was later rescued by other road users. He was immediately rushed to Hospital Kluang for medical attention.
Supt. Abdul Razak further explained that the local authorities were alerted to the incident by a member of the public, and an investigation revealed that the baby elephant had been part of a group of elephants crossing the road.
The accident led to the animal's death, and the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN) in Mersing was promptly informed to manage the elephant’s carcass.
The case is currently under investigation according to Regulation 10 of the Road Traffic Rules 1959 (Rule 10 LN 166/59).
“We would like to remind all road users to remain vigilant and cautious, especially when driving through wildlife crossing areas, particularly during nighttime,” Supt. Abdul Razak cautioned. – March 13, 2025
