2 weeks Ago By New Straits Times
KUALA LUMPUR: The Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) plans to install signboards warning of panther activity along a road in Negri Sembilan, which winds through hilly terrain, after a lorry driver was attacked after alighting from his vehicle.Perhilitan Director-General Datuk Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim told NST that the aim is to warn motorists against stopping in the area, which he described as a popular crossing for the critically endangered animal."We plan to erect several warning signs about panther activity and advise road users to avoid stopping and reduce speed to prevent accidents," he said.
Abdul Kadir said the signage will feature an image of a panther.On Thursday, a lorry driver in his 50s was pounced upon by a panther in broad daylight while stopping to answer a call of nature along the Bukit Tangga-Seremban road in Jelebu, Negri Sembilan.The area surrounding the road is lush with dense forests, creating a natural habitat for wildlife.
The injured victim is receiving treatment at a local hospital.In a brief viral video, the panther successfully brought the man down before darting across the road, narrowly avoiding an oncoming vehicle, and disappearing into the bushes.Abdul Kadir described the incident as "unfortunate" and rare, as this animal typically avoids any conflict with humans.
There are fewer than 1,000 panthers remaining in the wild in Malaysia, he said.Abdul Kadir said panthers are targeted by poachers using metal snares for their body parts, which are used in traditional medicine, as well as for their meat.© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd.
