Courting Elephants Force Hour-Long Traffic Jam on Malaysia’s East-West Highway

Two wild elephants brought traffic to a standstill on Malaysia’s East-West Highway recently. The pair appeared to be courting in the middle of the road, refusing to budge for over an hour.

The incident occurred near Gerik on the East-West Highway.

Videos shared on social media show the elephants standing close together in the centre of the road.

One elephant kept turning toward the other in what looked like affectionate behaviour.

Traffic Jam as Elephants Refuse to Move

As the elephants refused to move, traffic was paralyzed in both directions.

Some drivers even got out of their vehicles to watch or film the scene.

The user who posted the video wrote: “Gerik’s elephants really know how to cause trouble. They’re having a ‘date’ right in the middle of the road. Traffic was blocked for over an hour in both directions. Even when it got dark, they still hadn’t finished their ‘romance.'”

The elephants’ genders remain unconfirmed. However, many assumed they were watching a male and female elephant in courtship.

Netizens React with Humour and Speculation

Malaysian internet users responded with jokes about the situation. Some suggested the elephants were arguing about whose family to visit for the holidays.

Others compared it to a married couple having a spat.

One comment read: “The elephant is coaxing his wife to go home for the holidays. Everyone give them some time.”

Another added: “When girls get angry, you have to coax them. Everyone understands.”

Some users offered a different interpretation. They suggested the elephants might have blocked the road for a deeper reason – perhaps preventing drivers from encountering danger ahead.

One netizen wrote: “There might be some divine meaning behind this. Maybe everyone avoided some danger because of this.”

Wild elephants are known to make surprise appearances on Malaysia’s highways, often turning an ordinary drive into an unexpected wildlife show.

The East-West Highway, especially near Gerik, is a favorite elephant hangout, and drivers are regularly treated to scenes like elephant “dates” or family strolls right on the tarmac—reminding everyone that these gentle giants were here long before the roads.

While these encounters can be amusing and memorable, experts still encourage drivers to stay calm, enjoy the rare sight from a safe distance, and let the elephants finish their business at their own pace.