Will this masterplan protect Malaysia's crucial Central Forest Spine?

Peninsular Malaysia's Central Forest Spine house some of the world's oldest forest – Taman Negara, pictured here, has virgin jungle estimated to be 130 million years old. — 123rf.com

The headless carcass of a cow found in Felda Ulu Tebrau, Johor Baru, recently, believed to be the result of a tiger attack, according to Perhilitan. — MOHD FARHAAN SHAH/The Star

WHEN reports filtered in late April, 2023, that a tiger might be stalking livestock in Felda Ulu Tebrau, a chill went up many spines.

Felda Ulu Tebrau, a sleepy village flanking a single-lane road, is very close to major residential areas in Johor Baru, the country’s second largest metropolitan area after the Klang Valley. In fact, Ulu Tebrau is so close that, administratively, it lies within the district of Johor Baru, and is only about 8km from the suburb of Ulu Tiram.