Cover image via Bernama
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A male tapir known for regularly roaming MARDI Cherating Agrotechnology Park — and affectionately considered the park's unofficial mascot — was tragically killed in a road accident at KM35 of Jalan Kuantan-Kemaman
According to Bernama, Kuantan acting police chief Supt Mohd Adli Mat Daud said the animal was crossing the road past midnight on Saturday, 12 July, when it was struck by a Perodua Alza.
"The driver, a 41-year-old man, was unhurt," he said in a statement.
Police were dispatched to the scene to manage traffic along the poorly lit stretch of road.
One of the first to come across the scene, Badrol Hisham Mohamad, 44, said he immediately notified the authorities
"The tapir is believed to have been hit by a vehicle carrying a family travelling from Kemaman to Kuantan, near the MARDI Cherating park.
"Several motorists also stopped to help direct traffic, as the carcass was lying in the middle of the road and posed a danger to others," said the Kuantan local.
The tapir's body, estimated to weigh over 120kg, has since been handed over to the Pahang Wildlife and National Parks Department (PERHILITAN).
In a Facebook post, MARDI Cherating Agrotechnology Park called the tapir's death a significant loss to animal lovers
"One of the park's most beloved attractions is now gone.
"This protected tapir, a regular sight among campers and nature enthusiasts, had brought joy to many," the post read.
The park also expressed hope that motorists would exercise greater caution when driving in the area.
