There are fewer than 150 Malayan Tigers left in the wild. – Emmanuel Rondeau/WWF-US
JOHOR BARU: The World Wide Fund for Nature Malaysia (WWF-Malaysia) has described the killing of a Malayan Tiger in Johor as a national tragedy and shame, calling for offenders to face the full weight of the law.
WWF-Malaysia senior conservation director Dr Henry Chan said the discovery of the tiger carcass in a car in Felda Tenggaroh, Mersing on Malaysia Day (Sept 16), and the arrest of three individuals linked to the case was a tragic blow, especially as the species is critically endangered with fewer than 150 left in the wild.
"The Malayan Tiger is not only a critically endangered species but also our national icon. To have one snared and gunned down on the very day Malaysians honour the formation of our nation is nothing short of tragic and shameful. It is a crime against our ecosystem and against the spirit of our nation," he said in a statement on Wednesday (Sept 17).
A file picture of an endangered Malayan Tiger. – Emmanuel Rondeau/WWF-US
He said that despite years of effort and sacrifice by conservationists and enforcement agencies, poachers continue to slaughter the majestic animal for short-term gain.
"To kill one of fewer than 150 tigers left in Malaysia is beyond reckless; it is cruel. Crimes like these are an insult to our nation and must be punished with the full weight of the law – swift and uncompromising," he said.
Under Section 71 of the Wildlife Conservation Act 2022, those convicted of killing a Malayan Tiger face fines of up to RM1mil and imprisonment of up to 15 years.
Dr Chan urged authorities to fully enforce these penalties to send a clear message that Malaysia will not tolerate the slaughter of its national symbol.
He noted that the Malayan Tiger remains threatened by shrinking forests, loss of habitat, reduced prey base and poaching, leaving the species dangerously vulnerable.
WWF-Malaysia also expressed solidarity with other conservation groups, including Rimau, WCS Malaysia, Pelindung, Terffic, Panthera Malaysia, MyCat and the Malaysian Nature Society, alongside its corporate partner Maybank and donors, in demanding justice for the tiger.
Meanwhile, Dr Chan commended the swift action of Bukit Aman and the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) in apprehending the suspects, and praised the public for providing information that led to the arrests.
"This underscores how vital it is for the public to remain vigilant and report wildlife crime without hesitation. Protecting this species is not just a conservation issue – it is about protecting Malaysia's pride, heritage and future," he said. – Bernama
