Conservation leaders with local children at the Kampung Tanhain Rumah Baca that is part of holistic efforts to prevent tiger poaching.
TEAM efforts in safeguarding the Malayan tiger and its natural habitat were given the spotlight during the annual joint observance of Global Tiger Day and World Ranger Day.
Organised by Perak State Parks Corporation (PSPC) and Persatuan Pelindung Harimau Malaysia (Rimau), the celebration was held at the Royal Belum State Park (RBSP) in Perak.
Present at the event was Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry secretary-general Datuk Dr Ching Thoo Kim.
He was joined by representatives from various organisations committed to wildlife conservation.
The celebration also featured the launch of a Rumah Baca learning facility in the Orang Asli (Jahai tribe) village Kampung Tanhain in Gerik.
Ching emphasised the significance of joint efforts: “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.
He added 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,” said Ching.
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.”
Non-governmental organisations involved in the Malayan tiger conservation efforts include Rimau, Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD), Yayasan Hasanah and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Malaysia.
YSD chief executive officer Dr Yatela Zainal Abidin said it had been working with PSPC 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.
“These coordinated efforts are vital for the conservation of tigers in this landscape, which in turn will ensure the integrity of our ecosystems,” she added.
Established in 2018, Rimau has been pivotal in conserving the Malayan tiger by mobilising local indigenous communities for patrolling three key habitats; RBSP, Amanjaya Forest Reserve and Korbu Forest Reserve.
Rimau president Lara Ariffin said it was important that all tiger habitats are protected.
“The tiger is in high demand for every part of its being.
“Our approach includes holistic community engagement through educational programmes.
“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.
Building upon YSD’s support, Rimau has expanded its educational outreach in collaboration with PSPC, WWF-Malaysia and a five-year grant from the European Union (EU), Amanah Lestari Alam (Alam) and Majlis Agama Islam dan Adat Melayu Perak Darul Ridzuan (MAIPk).
These support the Rumah Baca programmes, providing education to 100 Jahai children in five villages within Sungai Kejar.
Indigenous teachers and Menraq patrollers are also given training crucial for long-term conservation success.
Complementing these efforts in Royal Belum, Alam and the German Embassy in Malaysia funded the construction of two Rumah Baca facilities in Kampung Kelewang and Kampung Tanhain.
EU Ambassador to Malaysia Michalis Rokas said the grants align with the Convention of Biological Diversity 2020, demonstrating the EU’s strong commitment to biodiversity conservation and education.
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.”
During the event, Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd (KLK), a supporter of Rimau’s tiger conservation initiative since 2021, providing food aid to 300 families in Royal Belum.
“This annual event reflects our guiding principle that sustainability means ensuring that the people, the planet and the business all thrive.
“Supporting the communities involved in RBSP’s conservation efforts is crucial to us,” said KLK Plantation assistant general manager Loh Che Han.
In addition to providing food aid, KLK also supports Rimau by funding the training and implementation of the Amanjaya Patrollers in Amanjaya, Perak.
The celebration also saw cultural performances by the Jahai children, accompanied by various festive games for the community.
