Escaped ostrich sprints down highway in Malaysia

A runaway ostrich has ruffled feathers in Kuala Lumpur after escaping its transport and galloping down the highway.

The bird, named Chikaboo by its owner Darren Chow, was on the way to a farm near the Malaysian capital on Thursday when it decided to stretch its legs.

Instagram user Jeff Sandhu posted a video of the bird barely holding up traffic as it weaved through lanes at top speed on the Federal Highway.

Four punters managed to catch Chikaboo, an impressive feat considering adult ostriches can reach speeds of 70km/h.

Mr Chow told Channel News Asia he was sick with worry before being reunited with Chikaboo.

"I just hoped that she'd be okay. I was willing to trade my life with hers. It's my fault for leaving the window open," he said. 

"Fortunately there were no motor accidents... she wasn't hurt; no one was hurt."