Tengku Amir Shah (right) and Jamaliah during the event to announce Bumi as Selangor’s environmental mascot. — Photos: AZMAN GHANI/The Star
A MALAYAN tapir has been chosen as Selangor’s environmental mascot in recognition of its crucial role in sustaining the state’s tropical biodiversity.
Announcing the decision, state public health and environment committee chairman Jamaliah Jamaluddin said the mascot, called Bumi after a newborn tapir at Sungai Dusun Wildlife Conservation Centre in Hulu Selangor, would be used in awareness campaigns.
“Malayan tapirs were chosen as they are a unique species which symbolise Selangor’s rich biodiversity.
“They can play a role in raising awareness about conservation and preservation efforts of our wildlife and forests,” she said at an event to celebrate Bumi’s birth on Feb 12.
He is the first Malayan tapir born at the centre this year, which is operated by the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) and located inside the Sungai Dusun wildlife reserve.
It is a semi-wild facility that is involved in conservation and research efforts for Malayan tapirs.
Relating further, Jamaliah said the centre welcomed corporate social responsibility initiatives from the private sector and government agencies.
“The state government, via Menteri Besar Incorporated, has undertaken maintenance and upgrading works of the facilities here.
“In addition, Selangor Agriculture Development Corporation has also donated food for animals at the centre,” she said.
Guests at the event checking out information boards on tapirs kept at the Sungai Dusun centre.
The event was graced and officially launched by Raja Muda of Selangor Tengku Amir Shah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, who also visited booths featuring information on nature and wildlife by non-profits and university researchers.
Tengku Amir Shah also received a framed photo of Bumi from Jamaliah as a token of appreciation.
Alongside a group of officials, he later planted a rambutan pacat (Xerospermum noronhianum) seed at the centre.
A total of 100 seeds of various fruit trees, courtesy of Selangor Forestry Department, were planted.
Tengku Amir Shah also received a briefing from the centre’s head, Muhd Adli Ahmad about the eight tapirs currently being cared for there.
Also present were state deputy secretary Datuk Johary Anuar, state local government and tourism committee chairman Datuk Ng Suee Lim, Peninsular Perhilitan director-general Datuk Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim, Orang Besar Daerah Hulu Selangor Raja Datuk Muzaffar Raja Redzwa and Kuala Kubu Baru assemblyman Pang Sock Tao. – By FARID WAHAB
