Elephant tragedy on East-West highway spotlights tireless volunteer’s role

A HEARTBREAKING image of a mother elephant mourning her calf, killed by a lorry on Malaysia’s East-West Highway (Jalan Raya Timur-Barat, JRTB) on 11 May, has triggered widespread sympathy and renewed attention on the silent efforts of a local volunteer who helps protect both motorists and animals along the treacherous route.

Mohd Amir Faizal, 47, a trader from Sungai Petani, has been voluntarily patrolling the 123-kilometre stretch linking Jeli in Kelantan to Gerik in Perak for the past two years. A member of the Sungai Petani Response Team, he assists during wildlife encounters, vehicle breakdowns, and even natural disasters — all without official recognition.