Couple Injured After MPV Strikes Elephant Herd On East Coast Highway, Safety Fence Found Collapsed

Subscribe to our FREE Newsletter, or Telegram and WhatsApp channels for the latest stories and updates.

A couple was injured after the multipurpose vehicle (MPV) they were travelling in hit a group of elephants crossing the East Coast Highway (LPT2), after the Cheneh Toll Plaza on 4 August.

Kemaman police chief Superintendent Mohd Razi Rosli said the victims, Abdul Wahid Ismail, 55, sustained minor injuries to his left hand, while Fauziah Muda, 52, injured her right hand.

The couple was travelling from Kuantan, Pahang, to Kampung Pasir Gajah. Abdul Wahid was driving on the left lane and collided with the elephants when he couldn’t swerve or brake in time.

Cheneh Fire and Rescue Station operations commander Zubaderi Zahari said eight firefighters were deployed to help and provide initial treatment to the victims. The victims were later taken to the Kemaman Hospital for further treatment.

The highway concessionaire has been ordered to repair the damaged safety fence and to explore long-term measures to improve road safety.

Minister of Works, Datuk Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, said initial checks found that the existing security fence had collapsed. It’s believed a herd of elephants crushed through the fence. He added that repair works will begin no later than today (6 August).

As an early preventive measure, there’ll be an increase in highway patrols, especially at night in high-risk stretches, to monitor wildlife movements and ensure the safety of the public travelling on the highway.

Share your thoughts with us via TRP’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Threads.