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Malaysia steps up fight to save Malayan tiger

“ Gajah denak play a crucial role and typically work in pairs. “They not only lead but also provide psychological reassurance, preventing panic and resistance,” explained Johor Wildlife and National Parks director Aminuddin Jamin. Between 2020 and 2024, the department received 699 complaints involving elephants in Johor, with 228 cases reported in Kluang, making it the state’s main hotspot for human-elephant conflict. Doulos Hope draws 25,000 visitors to Labuan LABUAN: The arrival of Doulos Hope, the floating bookstore, has not only captured the imagination of the Labuan community but also brought significant cultural and economic benefits, according to Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa. During a visit to the vessel, Zaliha said its presence has created a new avenue for community engagement, allowing locals to experience the floating book fair and witness the unique life and mission of a ship crewed by more than 100 volunteers from over 30 countries. “This is not just a bookstore on water, it is a bridge between cultures. The people of Labuan are enjoying a rare opportunity to meet and interact with individuals from around the world, enriching their perspectives,” she said. She noted that the ship has drawn a steady stream of visitors, from children and students to senior citizens and tour groups. “I saw for myself the non-stop flow of people boarding the ship, all excited to explore what Doulos Hope offers. It is heartening to witness the sense of curiosity and unity this vessel has brought to our shores,” she added. Zaliha also highlighted the economic spillover generated by the visit, with the ship’s international crew and volunteers frequently patronising local eateries, cafes and convenience stores, bringing supplies back to the vessel and contributing to small business revenue. Doulos Hope director Nidhin Sebastian shared that the response from the public has been overwhelming, with nearly 25,000 visitors recorded since its arrival in Labuan. “It has been a joy to welcome so many aboard. We are grateful for the warmth and hospitality shown by the people of Labuan,” he said. The ship will remain docked in Labuan until tomorrow,. Entrance to the ship and its book fair is free and open to the public, offering more than 2,000 titles at affordable prices. – Bernama

Collaborations with veterans, communities and FAM signal growing momentum in conservation Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to implementing the Malayan Tiger Crisis Action Plan 2021 to 2030, strengthening enforcement through BP3 and expanding partnerships under the Save the Malayan Tiger Campaign with private sector and public involvement. The event also saw the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the department and the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), symbolically aligning with the national football team Harimau Malaya and its tagline, Demi Lencana di Dada, Demi Harimau Kita . FAM has contributed about RM200,000 to the Save the Malayan Tiger Campaign Fund to date. Since the campaign’s launch in 2021, ticket sales from Harimau Malaya football matches have raised RM2.1 million for the cause. It was also revealed that six contributors – comprising FAM, private companies and youth groups – have collectively donated RM401,021 to the campaign between 2023 and 2025, signalling strong ongoing support.

as a reminder of the global importance of tiger conservation. He said the situation in Malaysia remains alarming, with the First National Tiger Survey (2016 to 2020) estimating the Malayan tiger population at fewer than 150. “Without drastic action, Malaysia could lose this iconic species within the next five to 10 years. “The Cabinet, on June 16, 2021, agreed to implement extraordinary strategic measures over 10 years, focusing on halting the population decline, improving conservation governance and strengthening long-term survival initiatives.” Following the accreditation of Royal Belum State Park in Perak with the Conservation Assured Tiger Standards in 2023, Malaysia is now seeking similar recognition for national parks in Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan, as well as Endau Rompin National Park. Huang said the department is also working to obtain Asean Heritage Park status for the Tengku Hassanal Wildlife Reserve.

Tiger Day 2025 celebration yesterday. He added that 15,000ha of new terrestrial protected areas have been gazetted in Kedah, Perak, Selangor, Terengganu and Negeri Sembilan under the Ecological Fiscal Transfer for Biodiversity Conservation, with the allocation increased to RM250 million for this year. To strengthen action against cross-border wildlife crimes, the Wildlife Crime Bureau was established under the Royal Malaysia Police and recorded seizures worth more than RM2 million in 2024. Abdul Kadir also acknowledged state-level initiatives, citing Pahang’s move to gazette the 134,183ha Al Sultan Abdullah Royal Tiger Reserve to support population recovery. “These efforts are carried out consistently to ensure the Malayan tiger, which faces the threat of extinction, can be preserved for future generations.” Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Huang Tiong Sii said World Tiger Day, observed on July 29, serves

SHAH ALAM:

Efforts to

conserve critically endangered Malayan tiger have shown encouraging progress since 2021, with various initiatives implemented to protect the species and its natural habitat. Wildlife and National Parks Department director-general Datuk Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim said the conservation of the Malayan tiger must not be taken lightly as it requires strong commitment, coordinated action and ongoing public awareness. Among the key initiatives is the Biodiversity Protection and Patrolling Programme (BP3), introduced to combat poaching through cross-agency enforcement under the Integrated Khazanah Operation (IKO). To date, IKO has carried out 72 operations, resulting in 856 arrests and seizures worth RM390 million. “Through collaboration with Armed Forces and police veterans, the Orang Asli and local communities, 2,500 community rangers have been appointed to curb forest encroachment, illegal logging, poaching and mining, while also improving community well being. “The federal government has allocated RM80 million for this effort,” he said during the World the

Abdul Kadir said efforts are carried out consistently to ensure the Malayan tiger can be preserved for future generations. – ADIB RAWI

YAHYA/ THESUN

Wildlife Dept captures sun bear roaming in Dungun village DUNGUN: The Department of Wildlife and National Parks has successfully captured a sun bear that had been roaming around Kampung Padang Ping in Terengganu since last week. villagers about the bear’s presence in the area and nearby oil palm plantations, which raised public concern. Lukut, Kahang, Kluang to a suitable habitat on Friday. The animals were part of a group of nine captured during an operation launched on July 14. Describing the effort as the largest elephant relocation in Johor’s history, Ling noted that the five-hour operation was supported by specialised

“Following the report, we set a trap and managed to catch the animal,” he said. Loo reminded the public not to approach wild animals and to contact the department immediately for appropriate action. Meanwhile, in Johor, the department has relocated two elephants caught in Kampung Sri

elephant units from another state. Assisting in the transfer were Abot and Sanum, two gajah denak (trained elephants) from the National Elephant Conservation Centre in Kuala Gandah, Pahang. Under the guidance of their handlers, the pair helped calm and lead the wild elephants during capture and relocation.

Johor Health and Environment Committee chairman Ling Tian Soon said four of the elephants were transferred on July 23, while a juvenile was sent to the Kota Tinggi Elephant Sanctuary for training as a guide elephant. The remaining two are scheduled to be relocated on July 28, Bernama reported.

Terengganu Wildlife and National Parks director Loo Kean Seong said the adult male bear, weighing about 110kg, was caught in a trap set on Friday morning. The bear was uninjured and was released back into its natural habitat later that afternoon. “We received complaints from