Six roadkill deaths of tigers since 2023, minister mourns

Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad expressed worry that there have been six roadkill deaths of tigers since 2023.

He said this showed that the habitats of wild boar and deer, which the apex predator feeds on, have been disturbed, forcing the critically endangered species to venture outside their territory.

He said it was more distressing when parts of roadkill tigers, including fangs, claws, and skin, get stolen.

“With an estimated population numbering less than 150, the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry remains committed to protecting and conserving the Malayan Tiger (Panthera tigris jacksoni) to ensure that this iconic species that is the symbol of the national coat-of-arms does not become extinct forever,” he said in a statement today.

His statement comes after a roadkill incident involving a female Malayan tiger on the East-West Gerik Highway in Perak on Nov 9.

Nik Nazmi explained that the government’s commitment towards tiger conservation included establishing the National Tiger Conservation Task Force, strengthening enforcement and control patrols by community rangers (Orang Asli, army) and Khazanah Integrated Operations, as well as establishing a Wildlife Crime Bureau under the police to stop poaching.

“Since the beginning of its establishment in 2020, the number of community rangers has increased by 1,000 personnel in 2023, 2,000 in 2024, and further increased to 2,500 rangers next year with an allocation of RM80 million,” he said.

He said the federal government is also strengthening efforts to ensure the survival of the Malayan Tiger through financial incentives to the states, which started in 2019 with an allocation of RM60 million.

“Under the Madani government, this allocation has been increased to RM150 million in 2023, RM200 million this year, and RM250 million next year,” he said.

Nik Nazmi added that state governments were also encouraged to strengthen the conservation of the Malayan Tiger’s habitat through the Conservation Assured | Tiger Standards (CA|TS) accreditation scheme.

“In addition, the Wildlife Protection and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) of Peninsular Malaysia has established a Wildlife Cybercrime Unit to monitor and gather information on the illegal sale of wildlife online,” he said.

He urged the public to contact the nearest Wildlife Department office, the Wildlife Department hotline 1-800-88-515, or the police if they have information about a Malayan Tiger roadkill incident or to report human-wildlife conflict.

- Bernama

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