A MOTORCYCLIST died after crashing into a 200-kilogram tapir at Kilometre 320.5 of the East Coast Highway 2 (LPT2) after exiting Kerteh heading towards Kuala Terengganu this morning.
In the incident at 1 am, Iffil Nazwa Azman, 24, a contract worker from Kampung Pinang Baru, died at the scene.
Kemaman District Police Chief Superintendent Mohd Razi Rosli, when contacted, confirmed receiving a report regarding the incident.
According to him, the victim, who was riding a Yamaha Y15 motorcycle from Kerteh, was on his way home.
Upon arriving at the scene of the incident, a large tapir believed to have come out of the nearby forest suddenly crossed the highway.
“The victim failed to avoid hitting the tapir and crashed into it, causing him to be thrown onto the highway,” he said.
Mohd Razi said that following this, the victim was believed to have been run over by an unidentified vehicle.
“The victim, who suffered serious head and body injuries, was confirmed dead at the scene.
“The case is being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.
“Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to come forward to assist the police by passing on information to the Kemaman Police Headquarters,” he said.
Mohd Razi said police contacted the Wildlife Protection Department (PERHILITAN), and the tapir carcass was taken by Perhilitan personnel for further action. – January 24, 2026
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