Malaysian Driver Feels Sorry For Accidentally Hitting Black Panther On Expressway
The driver was en route to the Dungun Toll Plaza when the accident occurred.
By Yap Wan Xiang — 17 Jul 2024, 05:31 PM
A Malaysian has expressed remorse after accidentally hitting a black panther while driving on the East Coast Expressway yesterday, 16 July
In a post published on Facebook yesterday, Ram Bo uploaded two videos showing his encounter with the black panther.
The first video shows the events immediately after the accident. The black panther is seen standing still on the side of the expressway as Bo slowly drives away. A mark is visible on its back, but it is unclear whether it was an injury sustained during the collision.
The second video shows minor damage to the front bumper of his car as a result of the accident.
Speaking to SAYS, Bo said the black panther was crossing the expressway as he drove towards the Dungun Toll Plaza in Terengganu at around 12.30pm
"I was driving about 60km/h when I suddenly saw the black panther crossing the road.
"I was so surprised because I didn't even know [Malaysia has] black panthers," he said.
Bo added that he was relieved when he realised the black panther was alive, but the accident prompted several vehicles to come to a halt.
"About four vehicles stopped to look at the black panther. I believe someone also called the Wildlife Protection and National Parks Department (PERHILITAN)," he recounted.
The panther's condition is currently unknown.
At the time of writing, Bo's post has garnered over 1,100 shares
Many netizens were surprised by the sighting of a black panther in Malaysia.
The Malay peninsula, encompassing southern Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia, is home to the largest population of black panthers.
It is estimated that there were 2,500 black panthers left in the region five years ago, with illegal poaching posing a significant threat to this endangered species, reported The Straits Times.
Watch Bo's video below:
