Student conservation group raises RM43k to save Malayan tigers

BSKL for Malayan Tigers, a student group from the British International School of Kuala Lumpur (BSKL), has committed RM43,500 to conserve the critically endangered Malayan tiger.

Year 7 student Sasha Philip set up the student-led initiative to help save the big cat species from disappearing in the jungle.  

“I couldn’t ignore the plight of the Malayan tiger. I wanted to do my part to save tigers, which happens to be my family’s favourite animal, from extinction.

"When we make the world a better place for tigers, we also make the world a better place for us,” said Philip who heads the group. 

According to Bernama, the National Tiger Survey 2016-2020 preliminary findings indicated that the country’s Malayan tiger population in the wild had dwindled to less than 200 - due to poaching, loss of natural habitat and environmental pollution.

The 12-year-old had become interested in the Malayan tiger following a school research project on endangered animals.

Wanting to make a difference, Philip kickstarted the group with a core membership of 13 BSKL students in 2019 and they have persevered in their efforts through the Covid-19 pandemic which disrupted in-person learning.

“The group’s entrepreneurial spirit led them to develop a unique branding for BSKL for Malayan Tigers which they put on merchandise, such as hats, t-shirts, metal straws, bags and more,” said BSKL in a statement today.

The majority of the funds raised were generated through the sales of these merchandise at the school’s Christmas Bazaar and Tiger Day - which was supported by the school community.

“Philip's work showcases her deep personal care and activism for the plight of the Malayan tiger and it has been incredible to support and develop her work.

"This is exactly the type of project that shows two of our school’s values in the most impactful way: 'Be Ambitious' and 'Be Kind'.

"We hope that Sasha (Philip)’s leadership of BSKL for Malayan Tigers will have a significant impact in conserving this critically endangered animal,” said BSKL head of primary Simon Sharp. 

The funds raised by BSKL for Malayan Tigers will be distributed to three conservation groups - Forestry Department Peninsular Malaysia, the Malaysian Conservation Alliance for Tigers (Mycat), and WWF-Malaysia.

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