@Green July/August 2022 | Page 29

The Regent of Pahang pledges to save Malayan tigers from extinction
July-August , 2022 | @ Forest

CONSERVATION

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Committed to the cause

The Regent of Pahang pledges to save Malayan tigers from extinction

THE ISSUE of the Malayan tigers being on the brink of extinction is not new . Over the years , several government and non-governmental organisations ( NGOs ) have made several efforts to protect the species .

However , the tiger conversation is costly yet crucial . It needs more participation and contribution from the public .
Pahang Regent Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah , through the Save The Malayan Tiger ( Selamatkan Harimau Malaya ) campaign , recently pledged to participate actively in the Malayan tiger conservation .
The campaign ’ s mission is to promote and support the conservation of Malayan tigers in Pahang by collaborating with experts in other tiger range nations to gather and share expertise . It also aims to ensure that the tigers and their ecosystems are protected by implementing effective processes conducted through due diligence .
“ The majestic Malayan tiger , the symbol of the strength and bravery of our people , has long roamed free across the Malay Peninsula . Today , however , this magnificent animal is critically endangered . We need decisive and determined action to save the Malayan tiger ,” said Tengku Hassanal .
“ Therefore , I , Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah , pledge that I will make it my solemn duty to ensure that I will do my best to help bring back the Malayan tiger from extinction ,” assured Tengku Hassanal .
Urgent actions from the Pahang government
In his pledge , Tengku Hassanal urged the Pahang government to implement urgent actions to conserve the tiger species . The actions include :
• Establishing effective enforcement units to eradicate the scourge of poaching in Pahang ’ s forests and ensuring that poachers and their enablers are apprehended and brought to justice .
• Core tiger habitats , starting with the Greater Taman Negara Landscape , are protected without delay to safeguard essential tiger habitats and to prevent further habitat loss .
• The connectivity of critical wildlife corridors in the Central Forest Spine is restored by protecting the primary and secondary linkages . “ To achieve the three urgent actions
above , we shall avail ourselves of essential knowledge , technology , resources , and technical assistance from local and international experts . We shall support strong collaboration with the federal government and adjacent state governments .
“ If we undertake these actions wholeheartedly , I believe we can save the tiger , a revered icon of Malaysia . In so doing , we will safeguard forests which are a critical part of our nation ’ s irreplaceable biodiversity heritage , providing essential ecosystem services for the well-being of our people .”
Introducing Wildlife Ranger Unit in Pahang
One of Pahang ’ s efforts to save the Malayan tigers includes creating a Pahang Wildlife Ranger Unit . This unit will help eliminate poaching and observe and monitor the behavioural activities of the tigers and any approaching poachers or hunters .
It comprises individuals who are not only passionate about the cause to save the Malayan tigers but also people who are experienced in surviving the jungle , familiar with the surrounding habitat , and equipped with other essential skills that are needed . The Pahang Wildlife Ranger Unit is a part of the National Save The Malayan Tiger Campaign .
The Pahang government also formed the Pahang Wildlife Committee under the Pahang Biodiversity Enactment 2021 . Tengku Hassanal is responsible for advising this committee . The committee oversees all efforts committed toward recovering the Malayan tigers ’ population in the state of Pahang . — @ Forest
Tengku Hassanal meeting KeTSA Minister Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan discussing on tiger conservation initiatives in Pahang .

About ‘ Save the Malayan Tiger ’

Save The Malayan Tiger ( Selamatkan Harimau Malaya ), led by the Regent of the state of Pahang , HRH Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah , is a conservation group in Malaysia dedicated to safeguarding the Harimau and the environments in which they live . The campaign aims to help create public awareness alongside conserving tigers in their precious habitat . Extensive poaching and illegal deforestation are considerable threats to the species ’ survival . As the human population grows , so does the danger to the tigers . The efforts to save individual tigers in Pahang and reintroduce them to their natural habitat contribute to the overall sustainability of the species .

What is Pahang doing about ‘ Save the Malayan Tiger ’ in Pahang ?

• Majlis Biodiversiti Negeri
• Pahang Wildlife Conservation Committee
• Engaging with conservation professionals
• Establishing a scouting team to assist wildlife enforcement work in the Tekai forest landscape
• Engaging with national-level initiatives ( MYTTF Pahang )
• Existing protected areas – protection of Taman Negara
• Exploring landscape approaches to address wildlife conservation and economic needs ( ESG )
• Identifying new Protected Areas in conjunction with the National Physical Plan
• Reconnecting the Central Forest Spine
• Engaging landowners and businesses to provide spaces for wildlife to the range and supplement wildlife habitats