Overcome with sadness, the freelance photographer whose vehicle was involved in the accident last Friday that killed a tiger, an endangered species in the country, is mulling contributing to tiger conservation efforts.

"I have received suggestions from friends to donate to tiger programmes in zoos or conservation centres and I am considering it," Mohd Shahrin Abdul Aziz told Malaysiakini .

Shahrin, who runs a wedding photography business, said with the Malayan tiger being near extinction, he hoped incidents like this would, hopefully, raise society's awareness on the matter.

As of now, only 250 of the species remain in the wild. What made it more sad, was that the tiger killed in the accident on the Second East Coast Highway was pregnant with two cubs.

Shahrin hoped that the people, and the government as well, would realise the importance of looking after endangered species like the tiger and that all would take this matter seriously.

"It is a blessing in disguise, for now authorities know the need to monitor the area. Maybe the animal strayed because its habitat has been disturbed," he opined.

Shahrin also related how one of the onlookers, who came by after the accident, tried unsuccessfully to cart away the dead animal, and even tried to dislodge the fangs from the carcass.

Meanwhile, Terengganu Wildlife Department director Mohd Hasdi Husin said his department hopes all those who were present at the location at the time of the accident would assist in investigating the incident.

Referring to photographs of the individual trying to pry off the fangs of the dead tiger that went viral on social media, Mohd Hasdi said, "We will call the driver and all those present during the incident to assist in the investigations."

He said the action would be investigated under the Wildlife Protection Act 2000, under which those found to be guilty can be punished with fines and imprisonment.

Shahrin said he would cooperate fully with authorities in any investigation.

"I will give my fullest cooperation and I am willing to meet the authorities," he said.