Perak has been preserving more forest land for the endangered Malayan tigers to roam, feed and breed. — Filepic
Perak government has been working closely with the Federal Government to protect the endangered Malayan tiger by setting aside an additional 340,000ha as accreditation land for tiger conservation involving five permanent forest reserves.
State science, environment and green technology committee chairman Teh Kok Lim said Royal Belum State Park had been recognised for the prestigious Conservation Assured Tiger Standards, the first Malayan tiger habitat conservation accreditation in Malaysia.
He said the state government through the Forestry Department, Economic Planning Unit, the Wildlife and National Parks Department and non-governmental organisations such as the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) had taken efforts to provide a natural habitat for the Malayan tiger.
“These initiatives, in line with what the National Tiger Conservation Task Force requested, saw the setting up of the Malayan Tiger Conservation Unit.
“Enforcement and patrols have been carried out along with habitat strengthening along the Central Forest Spine (CFS) corridor.
“Sambar deer were also released into the forest for the tigers,” he said in reply to Goh See Hua (PH-Pasir Pinji) who asked about the state government’s efforts to protect the rare Malayan tigers.
He also asked about environmental conservation strategies in protecting wild animals in the state.
Teh said Perak government was always proactive in carrying out conservation of the environment to protect the various species of wild animals.
He said most of the Titiwangsa, Bintang and Nakawan mountain ranges made up the CFS.
“The state government’s commitment to preserve forest land, especially wildlife habitat areas, was made clear when 18,866ha was named the Amanjaya Permanent Forest Reserve in 2013.
“The state government also launched a series of tree planting campaigns in several areas.”
Teh said Perak was blessed with various wildlife species including large mammals such as elephants, tigers and tapir.
The silver state, he said, also had animals that were not found in several other states such as seladang and river terrapins known locally as tuntung sungai.
“Records also show that Royal Belum State Park is native land to all 10 hornbill species found in Malaysia,” he added.
