A multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) collided with a herd of wild elephants at KM274.6 on the East Coast Expressway 2 (LPT2), near the Cheneh Toll Plaza interchange, at around 10:20 pm on August 4, 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4]. The herd is believed to have come from the Bukit Bandi Forest Reserve, located about 8 km from the accident site [1, 2].
The MPV driver, 55-year-old Abdul Wahid Ismail, and his 52-year-old wife, Fauziah Muda, were injured in the collision. Abdul Wahid suffered minor injuries to his left hand, while Fauziah's injury was later identified as a fractured right arm [1, 2, 3, 4]. The vehicle, a Toyota Estima, was badly damaged in the crash [3, 4].
Following the accident, the Terengganu Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) deployed six personnel from 12:30 am on August 5 to monitor and control the elephant herd using drones around the accident area [1, 2]. Dennis Ten Choon Yung of Perhilitan said the "operation is aimed at determining the herd’s location and movements, while ensuring the safety of highway users" [1]. He urged motorists to keep a safe distance and allow the elephants enough space to cross safely, warning against approaching, provoking, or using loud noises near the animals [2].
Abdul Wahid criticized the existing safety fencing along the LPT2 highway, calling it ineffective at preventing wild elephants from entering the expressway. He supported Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi’s directive to immediately repair damaged fencing and review long-term safety measures on the route [3, 4]. Abdul Wahid said, "Before a more serious accident claims lives, it is better for immediate action to be taken to repair the safety fencing and strengthen preventive measures to ensure such incidents do not recur" [3]. He plans to seek compensation from the LPT2 concessionaire over the crash [3, 4].
The monitoring operation continues to track the herd's movements to protect both wildlife and motorists. Authorities warned drivers not to panic or attempt to confront the elephants, advising calmness and patience until the animals move away from the highway [1, 2].
