Conservation a top priority

PUTRAJAYA: A survey of the tiger population, conservation of the Sumatran rhino and preservation of wild fruit trees are among initiatives aimed at better managing Malaysia’s rich biodiversity.

The Government will also look for ways to reduce conflict between people and monkeys in some areas.

These are part of its commitment to ensure that the people as well as flora and fauna have a rightful place under the Malaysian sun.

These matters and others were discussed during the 2nd National Biodiversity Council meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin yesterday.

The council gave the green light for the First National Tiger Survey to be conducted by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan).

With the help of state governments and non-governmental organisations, Perhilitan will identify where exactly the tigers roam and in what numbers.

“This collaboration will allow the authorities to better determine the population and habitat of ‘Harimau Malaya’ to implement the National Tiger Conservation and Action Plan,” the council said in a statement.

Several suggestions were also presented on how to deal with the conflict between people and wild monkeys.

Perhilitan suggested that a by-law to forbid people from feeding the animals be enforced.

It was also suggested that the federal and state governments work together on any plans to develop new land areas to minimise the impact on monkey habitats.

As for the rhinos, the council agreed that the Sabah government would use advanced reproductive technology as part of its efforts to save the animals and other wildlife.