JOHOR BAHRU, July 2 — The RM66 million wildlife crossing project in Jalan Kahang-Mersing is expected to be completed in February 2028 and is believed to be able to reduce wildlife collisions (roadkill), thus protecting property and saving the lives of road users.

State Health and Environment Committee chairman Ling Tian Soon said the 1.2-kilometre crossing with an eight-metre high and 200-metre-long flyover would allow wildlife to cross the road through the space under the flyover.

“The Johor State Government is always committed to ensuring a balance between development, public safety and the preservation of the state’s natural and wildlife treasures,” he said in a statement on his Facebook page today.

Ling said as of June 29, the project had achieved progress of around 10.12 per cent and he himself had been closely monitoring the progress of the project.

He also asked road users to always be vigilant when passing through areas close to wildlife habitats, especially at night and on routes known to have wild animal movements.

Yesterday, a female elephant estimated to be five years old died after being hit by a Perodua Bezza in an incident at 2.28am on a Felda Nitar road, Mersing.

The incident also touched the hearts of Malaysians when an adult elephant, believed to be the mother of the elephant, faithfully waited for about seven hours by the elephant’s side before the elephant’s carcass was buried. — Bernama