JOHOR: The Johor state government has approved the construction of its first wildlife corridor along the Batu Pahat–Kluang–Mersing road, linking Kahang to Mersing, as part of its central forest spine conservation initiative.
State Health and Environment Committee chairman Ling Tian Soon said the RM66 million project was designed to reduce collisions between motorists and endangered species, while reconnecting fragmented forest reserves.
“The wildlife crossing serves a dual purpose — safeguarding biodiversity and reducing human–wildlife conflict, particularly along the vulnerable central forest spine corridor,” he said.
In May, public outrage erupted after a five-year-old was killed by a lorry on the Gerik–Jeli Highway in Perak. A widely circulated video showed the calf’s mother refusing to leave its body, and later having to be sedated after becoming visibly distressed by the roadside. The tragedy intensified calls for safe wildlife crossings along major highways.
Taking heed, Johor will construct a 1.275km wildlife crossing featuring a 200m viaduct, rising 8m high. Special vegetation will be planted beneath the bridge to guide animals safely across.
The project, funded by the federal government, covers a critical ecological link between Labis Timur, Mersing Forest Reserve and Lenggor. It is on track for completion by February 2028, Ling said in a statement today.
The location was selected as the road cuts through a 31,000ha forest complex forming part of the central forest spine that connects Labis in Segamat with Mersing, Panti and Kota Tinggi reserves.
“Past viral videos have shown Malayan tigers, elephants, tapirs and leopards crossing this route, while roadkill incidents have also been recorded. Tendering has been completed, and site clearance has already begun. Conservation projects such as this corridor are essential to preserving Johor’s biodiversity while balancing rapid economic development,” he said.
Malaysia already has experience with wildlife crossings. The West Coast Expressway and East Coast Expressway feature underpasses, tunnels and eco-viaducts, while the Central Spine Road includes a 900m viaduct at Sungai Yu in Pahang.
In Penang, the Langur Project’s “Ah Lai’s Crossing” canopy bridge has successfully recorded over 2,100 safe crossings by langurs, squirrels and macaques, helping to eliminate primate roadkill in the area.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
