Kuala Lumpur: The National Tiger Conservation Task Force (MyTTF) has approved measures to address the Malayan tiger population crisis, the Dewan Rakyat was informed today. Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Seri Huang Tiong Sii outlined these steps, which aim to bolster enforcement patrols and controls to combat encroachment, illegal logging, and poaching.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, these initiatives involve collaboration between the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan), the police, Armed Forces veterans, 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, emphasizing enhanced functions, staffing, research technologies, and strategic collaboration.
Additional measures include increasing the Ecological Fiscal Transfer for Biodiversity Conservation to state governments to safeguard national protected areas, including tiger habitats. MyTTF is also extending the Conservation Assured Tiger Standards accreditation scheme to improve Malayan tiger habitat management.
Huang’s remarks were in response to a query from Fathul Huzir Ayob (PN-Gerik) regarding MyTTF’s proactive efforts in protecting and conserving the Malayan tiger, including scientific research studies on its population and plans for special funding to combat poaching syndicates. Elaborating further, Huang noted that the government has allocated a special fund for anti-poaching initiatives through the Biodiversity Protection and Patrolling Programme (BP3), which includes the Integrated Khazanah Operation and the appointment of Community Rangers.
He stated that RM189 million has 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 address poaching syndicates and transboundary wildlife crimes, the Wildlife Crime Bureau has been established under the Royal Malaysia Police, while the Special Protected Area Response Team (SPARTA) under Perhilitan has been strengthened as a specialised tactical unit.