SHAH ALAM, March 3 — The Selangor government’s Malayan tapir ex situ breeding and conservation programme is its flagship initiative to protect wildlife for future generations, said state executive councillor for public health and environment Jamaliah Jamaluddin.
She added that since the initiative was launched at the Sungai Dusun Wildlife Conservation Centre (PHKL) in Hulu Selangor in 2004, 22 Malayan tapir births have been recorded.
Of these, 16 have been released into their natural habitats in an effort to reinforce the local population.
“Eight Malayan tapirs are being maintained at the Sungai Dusun PKHL as breeding and treatment stock. This includes a tapir named Bumi, who has been an icon of Selangor’s environmental efforts since June 8, 2024.
“Since then, biodiversity conservation efforts and environmental awareness campaigns in Selangor, including those related to endangered wildlife, have used Bumi as their symbol,” she said on Facebook, in conjunction with World Wildlife Day today.
Jamaliah said the Malayan tapir, along with other endangered wildlife such as the Malayan tiger, clouded leopard, Sumatran serow, gibbon, siamang, otter, and hornbill, is not only a treasured part of the state’s biodiversity, but also a mark of a balanced ecosystem that must be collectively preserved.
“Through Selangor PERHILITAN, the state government is committed to safeguarding critical habitats such as the Gading, Semangko, Hulu Selangor, Ampang Pechah, Bukit Kutu, Batang Kali, Serendah, Hulu Gombak, Templer, Ampang, Hulu Langat, and Sungai Lalang forest reserves to ensure they remain strongholds for our wildlife,” she added.
Jamaliah emphasised that enforcement efforts have also been strengthened through Operasi Bersepadu Khazanah (OBK) and the Biodiversity Protection and Patrolling Programme (BP3), in collaboration with enforcement agencies.
She added that regular patrols, habitat monitoring, and crackdowns on wildlife crime are continuously carried out to ensure endangered species’ survival.
“In conjunction with World Wildlife Day, the Selangor government reiterates its commitment to preserve and protect wildlife as an invaluable state treasure and to ensure sustainable biodiversity for future generations.
“Without wildlife, the balance of nature would be disrupted,” Jamaliah said.
