By Fitri Hazim Hazam
HULU SELANGOR, June 8 — The endangered Malayan Tapir, with an estimated population of only 3,000, has been selected as the state’s environmental icon.
This was revealed at a special event held at the Sungai Dusun Conservation centre, here, today.
It was launched by Raja Muda of Selangor Tengku Amir Shah.
His Highness also visited the Malayan Tapir enclosure, planted a rambutan pacat tree and released a great hornbill in conjunction with the event.
State executive councillor for environment Jamaliah Jamaluddin said the selection of the Malayan tapir as the Selangor environmental icon was made considering the species is a symbol of protected wildlife.
She also revealed that a tapir calf was born at the conservation centre on February 12 this year. It has been named Bumi, Malay for Earth.
“Bumi is the first tapir calf born this year. Bumi will be the main face of campaigns and programmes related to environmental awareness in Selangor,” she said in her speech at the launching ceremony.
The event was also attended by Orang Besar Daerah Hulu Selangor Datuk Muzaffar Raja Redzwa, state executive councillor for tourism Dato’ Ng Suee Lim and Kuala Kubu Baharu assemblyman Pang Sock Tao.
Jamaliah said tapirs play a crucial role to foster awareness among the public on the importance of preserving the species and environment in general.
"They are a unique species that symbolises the richness of biodiversity in this state.
"At the conservation centre here, there are eight tapirs that are protected and cared for by the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan),” she said
