The Malayan tiger embodies the bold power of our nation, but only about 250 of them are left

As few as 250 wild Malayan tigers are estimated to remain in this country. Photo: WWF-Malaysia/Mikaail Kavanagh

Harimau Malaya, or the Malayan tiger, has been a national icon for decades.

So it was fitting when Rimau, a cute cartoonish version of the tiger, was chosen as the mascot for the recent KL2017 SEA Games (and the upcoming 9th Asean Para Games).