Johor ramps up measures to save Malayan tiger

JOHOR is intensifying efforts to protect the critically endangered Malayan tiger, with the Endau-Rompin National Park identified as a key habitat.

State Health and Environment Committee chairman Ling Tian Soon said Johor was working with the federal government to improve the prey base, expand camera traps, as well as intensify patrols and enforcement.

He said the measures were discussed during the National Tiger Implementation Working Group (MyTWG) meeting with the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry in Putrajaya on Tuesday.

"Based on the 2020 survey data, the number of Malayan tigers in the wild was estimated at no more than 150.

"This is worrying... conservation efforts must be intensified before it is too late," he said on Facebook yesterday.

His comments followed the ministry's report that the Malayan tiger population has shown signs of improvement, though the latest figure has yet to be revealed.

The First National Tiger Survey (2016–2020) found fewer than 150 Malayan tigers in the wild.

The protected species is found only in Peninsular Malaysia and is classified as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

The Endau-Rompin National Park is one of the country's three main tiger landscapes, featuring an isolated but increasing subpopulation, according to the IUCN.

Ling said the Malayan tiger was more than a national wildlife treasure for Johor.

"We will continue to support and cooperate in efforts to conserve the Malayan tiger.

"We want this national treasure to survive in its natural habitat and pass it on to future generations."