ELEPHANT TRAGEDY HIGHLIGHTS ROLE OF VOLUNTEER WHO PATROLS EAST-WEST HIGHWAY

IPOH, May 19 (Bernama) -- The viral image of a mother elephant mourning her calf that was killed by a lorry on the East-West Highway (JRTB) on May 11 has stirred the nation and brought Mohd Amir Faizal, a JRTB volunteer, into the spotlight on social media.

Mohd Amir, 47, is a member of the Sungai Petani Response Team volunteer squad that assisted authorities in relocating the grieving elephant.

For the past two years, the trader has been volunteering to help JRTB road users, often sharing information on elephant behaviour and offering practical safety tips for travellers navigating the wildlife-prone highway.

Besides guiding elephants away during patrols, he also lends a hand during vehicle breakdowns, accidents and natural disasters along the 123-kilometre route connecting Jeli, Kelantan and Gerik, Perak.

“The most unforgettable experience was last year when I helped rescue a woman involved in an accident at a bend along the JRTB.

“After pulling her from the car, a male elephant suddenly emerged from the forest nearby. Thankfully, we managed to get her into another vehicle and to safety,” he said when contacted by Bernama.

The father of four said he conducts patrols at least 15 times a month, depending on his availability and the complaints he receives through phone calls or social media.

He usually leaves his home in Bandar Seri Astana, Sungai Petani at around 10 am, arriving in Batu Melintang, Jeli by about 1 pm before heading back, a round journey of roughly 400 kilometres.

“I don’t do this every day. It depends on my free time and the reports I received. I don’t have a fixed return time either. Sometimes I get home in the evening, other times it can be at midnight.

“As for transportation, I either ride my motorcycle or drive my car. I always carry essential tools such as a chainsaw, emergency kit, fire extinguisher and jumper cables to help road users in need,” he said.

However, his efforts have not been free from criticism. While he receives praise from many quarters, he also faces sarcastic and disparaging remarks on social media -- enough to make him consider stepping away from his voluntary work.

“I’ve read the insulting and sarcastic comments. Sometimes it gets to me and I think about quitting.

“But I just can’t bring myself to stop. The thought of how difficult it is for road users to get help during accidents, breakdowns or fuel shortages keeps me going,” said Mohd Amir, who recites Prophet Sulaiman’s prayers and zikr as protection during his volunteer work.

Though he might seem accustomed to dealing with elephant threats, deep down, he still feels nervous.

“In my observation, body movements like flared ears and slightly raised tails are signs that an elephant may act aggressively,” he said, adding that the JRTB is also a known crossing point for other wild animals, including tigers, black panthers and sun bears.

-- BERNAMA