Protect Wildlife From Becoming Roadkill Says Group

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WWF-Malaysia calls for greater inter-ministry cooperation to protect wildlife from roads running through their habitat.
WWF-Malaysia said roadkill incidents, such as the elephant calf killed on Mother’s Day, highlighted the need for action.PETALING JAYA: A conservation group has called for greater cooperation among government ministries to protect wildlife on roads that run through their habitats
WWF-Malaysia welcomed measures to improve road safety and speed limits for heavy vehicles but said roadkill incidents – such as the elephant calf killed on Mother’s Day this year – highlighted the urgent need for action on such roads.
WWF-Malaysia said there was still a lack of clarity on how nature and climate considerations were being integrated into development planning, particularly concerning rare earth elements mining and tourism projects in Unesco sites.
It also expressed concern over the lack of focus on wildlife conservation and solid waste management, calling for a comprehensive plastic reduction strategy and better waste management planning to tackle pollution at its source.
WWF-Malaysia said the 2026 budget’s allocation of RM250 million for an ecological fund had fallen short of expectations.
It said the RM250 million allocation, unchanged from this year’s budget, was a missed opportunity to send a stronger signal on the importance of nature and ecosystem services.
The allocation is for the ecological fiscal transfer fund, which allows federal funds to be provided to states for state-level efforts in conserving natural resources such as biodiversity, forests, and ecosystems.
WWF-Malaysia noted that while RM50 million was set aside to encourage state-level participation, it had hoped to see an increase to strengthen conservation efforts nationwide.
WWF-Malaysia said the EFT mechanism should continue to evolve in design and implementation.
The group welcomed allocations to address the aftermath of floods and landslides in Sabah, which have disrupted lives and livelihoods.
However, it urged the government to adopt a comprehensive adaptation plan that uses nature-based solutions to tackle the root causes of climate impacts. - FMT

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