Festive games took place during the Global Tiger Day and World Rangers Day celebrations at Kampung Tan Hain.
TWO “Rumah Baca” learning facilities have been built in two Orang Asli villages in Gerik, Perak, as part of Malayan tiger conservation efforts.
The facilities have been set up in Kampung Kelewang and Kampung Tanhain within the Royal Belum Rainforest.
About 100 Jahai children from five villages near Sungai Kejar are expected to benefit.
The “Rumah Baca” were funded by Amanah Lestari Alam (Alam) and the German Embassy to complement existing tiger conservation and Jahai community education initiatives.
Games being played at Kampung Tanhain in Gerik’s Royal Belum Rainforest during the launch of Global Tiger Day and World Rangers Day. — Courtesy photo
Alam trustee Dr Harikrishna Kulaveerasingam said the facilities aimed to empower the Jahai through education.
“We are not only preserving their cultural knowledge but also equipping them to be stewards of their environment and our forests.
“This is vital in protecting the Malayan tiger,” he said in a statement.
“The facilities also serve in capacity-building of indigenous teachers and Menraq patrollers who are crucial for long-term conservation success.”
The Kampung Tanhain “Rumah Baca” was launched in conjunction with the joint observance of Global Tiger Day and World Rangers Day.
Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry secretary-general Datuk Dr Ching Thoo Kim said it was important for various parties to collaborate to protect the critically endangered Malayan tiger.
“When government, non-profits and local communities pull together, we see real progress in our fight to protect the Malayan tiger.
“This initiative at Royal Belum reflects Malaysia’s whole-of-society approach towards the protection of our biodiversity which is vital for the tiger’s survival and entire ecosystem,” he said, adding that the animal’s population in the wild in Malaysia was believed to be fewer than 150.
“Intensified efforts to counter poaching and habitat loss are crucial,” he added.
Perak State Parks Corporation (PSPC) acting director Lau Ching Fong said: “Global Tiger Day reinforces our shared duty to protect the Malayan tiger from the brink of extinction.
“Through partnerships with government agencies, we aim to conserve these tigers with efforts that include anti-poaching patrolling, research, education and awareness, community engagement and habitat management,” he said.
Apart from Alam, other non-governmental organisations involved in the Malayan tiger conservation efforts include Persatuan Pelindung Harimau Malaysia (Rimau), Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD), Yayasan Hasanah and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Malaysia.
YSD chief executive officer Dr Yatela Zainal Abidin said the foundation had been working with Perak State Parks Corporation since 2017 focusing on anti-poaching activities and boosting local community engagement.
“This effort naturally extended to include Rimau, strengthening the Jahai community’s role as custodians of their land through our Menraq initiative.
“Our educational programmes in Sungai Kejar aim to inspire a conservation-minded generation dedicated to the future of the Malayan tiger.
“This year, we are determined to catalyse substantial ground and policy-level changes by encouraging more allies to join this mission,” she added.
Rimau president Lara Ariffin said it was important that all tiger habitats are protected from poaching – the biggest threat to the Malayan tiger.
“The tiger is in high demand for every part of its being.
“Our approach includes holistic community engagement through educational programmes,” she said.
“We provide basic literacy to children, train local teachers and involve Jahai youth in conservation efforts through our Menraq Junior Programme that is being supported by YSD in Sungai Kejar.
“This integrated strategy protects the Malayan tiger and also empowers local communities,” she added.
During the event, Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd, a supporter of Rimau’s tiger conservation initiative since 2021, donated food aid to 300 families in Royal Belum.
Jahai children also performed cultural dances while various games were played.
