GERIK: Perak has been urged to amend its state enactments so that it is in line with the National Forestry Act to offer better protection for tigers.
Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Ministry Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said amendments such as for the replacement of permanent forest reserves and a public hearing process, which must be done after forest land is degazetted.
"The Federal Government will continue to push the Perak government to amend its state enactments to be in accordance with the National Forestry Act.
"Having replacement areas and public hearings are two important matters when it comes to protecting the Malayan tiger," he told reporters after attending the World Tiger Day celebration at Belum Rainforest Resort here today (Aug 3).
"As the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the state government, we hope that they will change the enactment for the sake of protecting the tigers," he added.
Nik Nazmi said Perlis is currently in the midst of making the amendments.
"As of now, only Selangor has made the amendment so we hope other states will follow suit," he said.
Perak's Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah was present during the event, along with Raja Di-Hilir Raja Iskandar Dzurkarnain Sultan Idris A'fifullah Shah and Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.
During the event, Sultan Nazrin presented 10 certificates to forest rangers from World Wide Fund for Nature Malaysia (WWF Malaysia), Perak State Park Corporation (PSPC) and Orang Asli Menraq Patrol Unit.
His Royal Highness also presented the Conservation Assured Tiger Standards (CATS) certificate of recognition to PSPC director Mohamed Shah Redza Hussein.
In April, the Royal Belum State Park was awarded the prestigious CATS accreditation in recognition of its exceptional conservation efforts and commitment to tiger conservation.
This milestone has been achieved through a fruitful partnership with the WWF Malaysia and Maybank, which provided guidance and support throughout the accreditation process.
Earlier in his opening speech, WWF Malaysia chairman Tan Sri Abdul Wahid Omar congratulated PSPC and other parties involved in achieving the recognition.
"The achievement places Malaysia on the map as Southeast Asia's first country to implement CATS, alongside India and Nepal, the two other Asian countries to be recognised," he said.
