THERE has been concern over the possible impact of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project on wild animals, some of which are endangered. The ECRL, which links Port Klang to Kota Baru in Kelantan, is a totally new railway line. As such, the project would encounter less constraints and fewer problems compared to ­widening the present coastal line to the east coast, and proper planning would enable it to have the latest features for the betterment of the environment, humans and wild animals.

One of the more effective ways to prevent wild animal accidents (rail kills) is to ensure that the railway line is constructed as straight as possible, especially in areas where endangered animals like elephants, seladang, tigers, leopards, bears, tapirs, etc are found. A straight line would ensure that the train driver is able to see from afar whether these animals are on the track and thus slow down to prevent an accident. The driver could also use a telescope as an aid for this purpose during the day.