The last 150, a race to save the Malayan Tiger

Sinar Daily

a day ago

Without urgent and large-scale conservation efforts, experts fear the iconic predator could vanish within the next 10 to 20 years.
Malayan tiger at risk of extinction within 20 years without urgent conservation efforts.
WITH the Malayan tiger population now estimated at fewer than 150 in the wild, concerns are mounting over the species' survival.
Without urgent and large-scale conservation efforts, experts fear the iconic predator could vanish within the next 10 to 20 years.
Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) director-general Datuk Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim admitted that limited manpower and funding remain key obstacles in protecting Panthera Tigris Jacksoni and its rapidly shrinking habitat.
Even so, he believes the situation is not beyond saving. With swift enforcement, enhanced resources, advanced technology and strong public engagement, the Malayan tiger might still stand a fighting chance.
'Our forest areas are vast and require constant patrols, conflict management and monitoring, but our teams are overstretched.
'Even though drones and camera traps have helped, the cost of maintenance and training continues to be a long-term challenge,' he said. Perhilitan director-general Datuk Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim - Photo by ASRIL ASWANDI SHUKOR
He also noted that enforcement needs to be stronger, with harsher penalties and quicker legal action against poachers and illegal wildlife traders.
Abdul Kadir stressed that financial backing from the government, research bodies, NGOs, and stronger collaboration across agencies, alongside local community involvement is making a positive difference.
'Protecting the Malayan tiger isn't something Perhililitan can do alone. It's a shared national responsibility,' he added.
One of the major global efforts he referenced was the TX2 campaign launched by WWF and conservation partners. The goal was to double the wild tiger population worldwide by 2022 compared to 2010 figures. Malaysia had hoped to boost its numbers to at least 1,000.
'But the reality is sobering, we now have fewer than 150 left,' he said.
Hope in the wild
Asked whether any new tiger populations have been discovered, Abdul Kadir confirmed there have been positive signs in areas under long-term surveillance.
Thanks to camera trap footage and consistent monitoring by Perhililitan and partners, sightings have been recorded in several forest regions.
'Key locations showing these signs include Royal Belum State Park, the Titiwangsa Range, Taman Negara and Endau-Rompin.
'This offers a real sense of hope, a sign that the wild still holds space for the Malayan tiger, if we act in time,' he said.