Motorists, particularly motorcyclists travelling near the Tasik Kenyir area in Terengganu, have been advised to exercise caution after a black panther was spotted crossing close to a public roadway on Saturday night.
Tasik Kenyir became the focus of public attention after the incident went viral on social media, highlighting once again the risks faced by road users travelling through routes bordering forested and wildlife-rich areas. Such encounters are not uncommon in regions close to natural habitats, where animals occasionally stray onto roads in search of food or territory.
The sighting was shared on Facebook by a user identified as Mohd Amirul, who uploaded a video believed to have been recorded at about 8.06pm along the East-West Highway (Second Route), near a petrol station in the Tasik Kenyir vicinity.
In the footage, the wild animal can be seen lingering at the roadside shoulder before eventually retreating back into the nearby forested area. Situations like these often raise safety concerns as sudden wildlife crossings can pose serious hazards to unsuspecting motorists, especially at night.
The video uploader is also seen attempting to scare the animal away from the road in an effort to prevent any untoward incidents. While such actions are often driven by concern, authorities generally advise the public to avoid approaching or provoking wild animals for safety reasons.
Public reactions online have since been mixed, with many netizens urging road users to remain vigilant when passing through the area. The incident has also reignited discussion on the importance of awareness when travelling through stretches of road that cut through or border natural habitats.
Experts often note that wildlife movement near highways can increase during nighttime hours, and road users are encouraged to reduce speed and stay alert, particularly in known crossing zones. The latest sighting serves as another reminder of the delicate balance between infrastructure development and natural ecosystems.
