KUALA LUMPUR, March 4 — The National Tiger Conservation Task Force (MyTTF) has taken proactive steps to address the Malayan tiger population crisis by approving various measures, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.
Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Huang Tiong Sii said key measures include strengthening enforcement patrols and controls to curb encroachment, illegal logging, and poaching.
These efforts involved the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan), the police, Armed Forces veterans, the Orang Asli and local communities in joint enforcement operations.
“The National Wildlife Forensics Laboratory has been designated as a Centre of Excellence for ex-situ Malayan tiger conservation, with enhanced functions, staffing, research technologies, and strategic collaboration.
“Other measures include increasing the Ecological Fiscal Transfer for Biodiversity Conservation to state governments to safeguard national protected areas, including tiger habitats,” he said.
MyTTF has also expanded the implementation of the Conservation Assured Tiger Standards accreditation scheme to enhance the effectiveness of Malayan tiger habitat management.
Huang was responding to Gerik MP Fathul Huzir Ayob's query regarding MyTTF’s proactive efforts to protect and conserve the Malayan tiger, including scientific research studies on its population, and whether the ministry plans to allocate special funds to combat poaching syndicates.
He added that the government has allocated a special fund for anti-poaching initiatives through the Biodiversity Protection and Patrolling Programme, which includes the Integrated Khazanah Operation and the appointment of Community Rangers.
RM189 million had been allocated for BP3 from 2020 to 2024, with RM80 million set aside this year to recruit 2,550 Community Rangers, including in Sabah and Sarawak.
To combat poaching syndicates and transboundary wildlife crimes, Huang said the Wildlife Crime Bureau had been established under the Royal Malaysia Police, while the Special Protected Area Response Team under Perhilitan has been strengthened as a specialised tactical unit.
— Bernama
