Malaysia and Indonesia will work together to save the Sumatran rhino

SHAH ALAM (Bernama): The governments of Malaysia and Indonesia will both work together to ensure the success of the Sumatran rhino breeding programme in order to save the species in Sabah.

Deputy Water, Land and Natural Resources minister Tengku Zulpuri Shah Raja Puji said the collaboration is expected to be carried out by the end of this year to save the rhinoceros species from extinction.

"The Sumatran rhinoceros in Malaysia today is no longer able to produce new offspring, so the government will try to save the species from extinction.

"We understand that there is only one Sumatran rhinoceros living in this country, so the government would need to spend for its care and upkeep," he told reporters after opening the "World International Students Public Welfare Media Art Exhibiton 2019" organised by Kolej Damansara Utama (KDU) Glenmarie Campus here Saturday (June 1).

Last Monday (May 27), the last male Sumatran rhinoceros in Malaysia died of old age and multiple organ failure at 35.

Tengku Zulpri said the government is also working towards saving the Malayan tiger, of which there are less than 200 in the country's forests.

He said the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) will also work with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) to stop illegal hunters and poachers from trespassing into forest reserves of the country