SHAH ALAM, Apr 28 — The Selangor government is strengthening the development and improvement of wildlife corridors as a key measure to ensure the survival of the increasingly endangered Malayan tapir.
State environment executive councillor Jamaliah Jamaluddin said the effort involves maintaining the continuity of natural habitats, including the Central Forest Spine (CFS) network, the Sungai Dusun Wildlife Reserve and the Hulu Selangor Forest Reserve.
She said these areas have been identified as among the critical locations for the species to survive and thrive.
“In conjunction with World Tapir Day, the state government reaffirms its commitment to ensuring the survival of this iconic species, which is currently classified as endangered. Although there are no official figures on the wild population in the state, Selangor remains one of the critical areas for the tapir’s natural habitat.
“This approach is crucial to ensure that tapir movement is not disrupted by development that fragments habitats, thereby maintaining the balance of the forest ecosystem,” she said in a statement.
At the same time, she acknowledged that roadkill incidents remain a concern, with 15 cases involving tapirs recorded since 2010.
In response, Jamaliah said various mitigation measures have been implemented, including the installation of warning signs and lights in high-risk areas, as well as intensified anti-poaching and anti-snare enforcement patrols.
She added that habitat strengthening efforts are also being carried out through programmes to enrich food sources to support the species’ population sustainability.
“Selangor also supports ex-situ conservation through the Sungai Dusun Wildlife Conservation Centre, which is the only semi-wild tapir breeding centre in Malaysia.
“Since 2004, a total of 22 tapir births have been recorded at the centre, with 16 of them released back into their natural habitat,” she said.
She added that currently, nine tapirs are being kept at the centre for breeding, treatment and conservation purposes, including a young tapir named ‘Bumi’, which has become an environmental awareness icon in Selangor.
Jamaliah said tapirs play a vital role as “forest gardeners”, helping to disperse seeds and regenerate forests, and their loss could disrupt the overall ecological balance.
“As such, the public is urged to play a role in protecting this species by raising awareness, complying with laws and reporting any activities that threaten wildlife,” she said.
