The Malayan Tiger is among the most threatened subspecies of tigers in Southeast Asia. Being one of the rarest big cats in the world, they are the only subspecies of tigers found in Malaysia. According to the report, the Malayan Tiger’s population has dropped by more than 90 percent in the past 60 years. It is estimated that fewer than 150 Malayan tigers are left in Peninsula Malaysia — even so, those numbers seem too good to be true. There used to be 3,000 of them roaming in the forest previously. However, poaching and human-tiger conflicts, which may be an indirect result of economic activities, have resulted in tigers killing humans or livestock and being killed in retaliation by humans. Extensive poaching and illegal deforestation also threaten the Malayan Tiger’s population.
A symbol of the coat of arms of Malaysia and features in the crest of states, governments, ministries, departments, and agencies, we must not allow this great icon to be treated poorly.
The Effort To Conserve The Malayan Tiger’s Population
The Pahang state government has taken steps to ensure that the Malayan Tiger’s population remains a part of Malaysia’s natural heritage. The Regent of Pahang, HRH Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah is concerned with the dwindling Malayan Tiger population in the wild. He said he had received reports that the Malayan tiger population has decreased from 1,200 to 400 in the last 20 years. It was due to poaching and habitat destruction by the big conglomerate companies that log for their various projects.
Worried about the plight of the tiger, Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim had been working with the government for years to protect the precious animal by seeking cooperation from all parties involved, including non-governmental organizations (NGOs). In hopes to save the species from extinction, Tengku Hassanal, is leading the Save The Malayan Tiger Conservation Campaign in Pahang. The purpose is to conserve the Malayan Tiger’s population and, at the same time, preserve their natural habitat in the dense forests in Pahang.
The Regent of Pahang mentioned that it is vital to patrol and sustain more substantial anti-poaching efforts to ensure that the tigers are safe from poachers. Putting sufficient forest rangers in place to patrol the forest and remove the snares would help protect the Malayan Tiger’s population. If immediate actions are not taken, there is a risk of losing the jungle king forever.
The Malayan Tigers Are Protected Under The Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 (Act 716)
The implementation of stricter laws for wildlife has also been applied. It is expected to take effect with the Wildlife Conservation Act 2020 (Act 716), bringing the maximum fine to RM1 million from RM500,00 for offenders. The maximum jail term was also increased from 10 to 15 years for perpetrators of wildlife crimes. Furthermore, there are new provisions for action against individuals who advertise the sale of wildlife online. The tigers are not just a symbol of our nation but the heart of our country; keeping our beloved Malayan Tigers alive is very important.
What Happens When The Malayan Tiger’s Population Keeps Declining
The Malayan Tiger is a keystone species, which makes its existence crucial to the survival of the species. The Malayan Tiger makes up to 2% of the total population of wild tigers in the world. The decline of the Malayan Tiger’s population is an indicator of ecosystem health. If no drastic measures are taken to address the fall of the Malayan Tiger’s population, Malaysia will lose the species to extinction in five to ten years. It also shows that already enough habitat is being destroyed, which creates a domino effect in endangering many other species.
We have to save the Malayan Tiger. It represents Malaysia’s rich biodiversity and natural heritage. Join us to help conserve the Malayan Tiger population in Pahang. Their stripes are our pride.