However, some motorists who approached the animal had a shock when they noticed that its tail, right ear and tongue were missing.

It seemed that someone had cut off the parts after the animal was run over.

Three officers of the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) were standing guard near the carcass pending its removal.

"We have to be around or someone would seek the opportunity to harvest more parts or organs from the carcass," said one of the officers.

The adult tapir, weighing more than 150kg, was believed to have been hit by a vehicle while attempting to cross the road.

State Perhilitan director Saharudin Anan said the public should show more compassion.

"It is just not right to remove the body parts of a wild animal, especially a protected species like the tapir."

The body parts are said to have no value either as exotic food or ingredients for traditional medicine.