A tragic accident on the Gerik-Jeli highway has claimed the life of a baby elephant, leaving behind a heartbreaking scene of an adult elephant—presumably its mother—mourning its loss. The viral footage sparked public outcry, with NGOs urging urgent action to prevent more wildlife road fatalities. We speak with Professor Ahimsa Campos-Arseiz, founder of the Management and Ecology of Malaysian Elephants, and Lim Teck Wyn, honorary associate professor at the University of Nottingham Malaysia, to explore the growing dangers faced by elephants in development zones and discuss how we can create safer spaces for coexistence.

Other stories we covered:

• Russia is found responsible for MH17: After ten years, the United Nations’ aviation council has officially ruled that Russia bears state responsibility for the downing of MH17—a landmark decision marking the first time a multilateral body has formally assigned blame to the Russian state. What does this ruling mean for global accountability and international relations? We speak to Benjamin Barton, Head of the School of Politics and International Relations at the University of Nottingham Malaysia, to unpack the implications.

• Tan Sri Azam Baki reappointed as MACC chief: This third consecutive reappointment has sparked criticism, with anti-graft centre C4 raising concerns about an appointment process that remains solely under the prime minister’s discretion. To unpack the implications, we speak with Arief Hamizan, head of research and policy advocacy at the Center to Combat Corruption and Cronyism.

• Bront Palarae wins big at Thai Awards: The actor clinched the Best Supporting Actor award at Thailand’s Baan Nang Klang Lakorn Awards over the weekend, earning recognition for his gripping performance in The Cursed Land, a supernatural horror film about a widower and his daughter. We sit down with him to discuss this milestone, the journey behind the role, and what’s next on his horizon.

• Remembering Datuk Rasammah Naomi Bupalan: Social activist and education pioneer, Datuk Rasammah Naomi Bhupalan, has passed away at the age of 98. We look back on her long life of fighting for freedom, women’s rights, anti-drug education, and more.

Image Credit: Shutterstock

Produced by: Sneha Harikannan, Sudais Ferhard, Alia Zefri, Tee Shiao Eek

Presented by: Lee Chwi Lynn, Susan Tam

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Categories:  Women in Business,  education,  controversies,  environment,  Law/Activism,  politics,  government,  performing arts,  film,  culture,  travel,  History/Heritage

Tags:  malaysian elephant,  Tan Sri Azam Baki,  Bront Palarae,  baby elephant,  management and ecology of malaysian elephants,  russia,  mh17,  macc,  datuk rasamah bhupalan,  road accidents,  wildlife,  wildlife protection,