A COUPLE faced a terrifying moment when the car they were travelling in hit a herd of four elephants crossing the road at KM50, Jalan Johor Bahru-Mersing, last night.
The incident reportedly occurred at 9.20pm while the couple was on their way to Mersing.
Kota Tinggi District Police Chief Yusof Othman said the couple, aged 40 and 38, were not injured.
“Upon arriving at the accident site, about four elephants suddenly crossed the road and could not be avoided.
"Immediately after the incident, the herd of elephants entered the forest and disappeared.
“As a result of the accident, the victim's vehicle was damaged in the front and a police report has been made,” he said.
The Johor Bahru-Mersing route, particularly in the Panti Forest Reserve area, Kota Tinggi from Mile 4 to Mile 14, is a common crossing point for wild elephants.
The Johor Wildlife and National Parks Department (PERHILITAN) estimates that there are about 30 to 40 elephants living in the Forest Reserve and often move to agricultural areas to search for food, especially at night.
More than 20 wildlife crossing warning signs have been placed on the left and right of the road to remind road users to be more careful.
The incident is not the first incident involving vehicles and elephants in the area where the wild animals pass.
On March 17, a couple suffered minor injuries after the vehicle they were in hit an elephant that was blocking the path on Jalan Mawai. - May 14, 2025
