Kuala lumpur: Contributions to the ‘Save the Malayan Tiger’ campaign have reached RM2.1 million since its launch in 2021, says acting Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani. He highlighted the successful fundraising efforts achieved through cooperation with strategic partners, notably the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), which has been instrumental in raising funds and awareness about the importance of Malayan tiger conservation.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Johari acknowledged the Football Association of Malaysia for its significant contribution of about RM200,000 to the campaign fund, generated from football match ticket sales. He expressed gratitude to FAM for their support towards the conservation initiative. The event was attended by Peninsular Malaysia Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) director-general Datuk Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim and FAM president Datuk Mohd Joehari Mohd Ayub.
Johari, who also serves as the Minister of Plantation and Commodities, delivered these remarks through Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Seri Huang Tiong Sii during the national-level Global Tiger Day celebration, which is observed annually on July 29. He reiterated the Cabinet’s commitment, made on June 16, 2021, to implement strategic actions over a 10-year period, from 2021 to 2030, for the conservation of the Malayan tiger.
The minister outlined three key approaches to this effort: intensifying efforts to halt population decline, improving governance and implementation effectiveness in conservation, and strengthening initiatives to ensure the long-term survival of the Malayan tiger. Monitoring by Perhilitan, with support from non-governmental organisations, has shown an increase in the Malayan tiger population, indicating the success of ongoing conservation efforts, including habitat preservation through international accreditation and recognition schemes.
Additionally, Johari mentioned Malaysia’s ongoing efforts to secure ‘Conservation Assured Tiger Standards’ accreditation for Taman Negara in Pahang, Terengganu, and Kelantan, as well as Endau Rompin National Park. He also noted that Perhilitan is pursuing ASEAN Heritage Park recognition for the Tengku Hassanal Wildlife Reserve, underscoring the country’s dedication to tiger conservation.