PUTRAJAYA: The National Tiger Conservation Task Force (MyTTF) has outlined several initiatives it will implement to preserve the Malayan tiger population in the country.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, who chaired the task force meeting today, said the six strategic initiatives will be carried out over the next 10 years (2021 to 2030).
"The government is serious in addressing the issue of the Malayan tiger population, or its scientific name Panthera tigris jacksoni, in the country's forests which is currently recorded to be less than 150 of the mammals.
"Among the reasons are loss of habitat and food resources due to change in land use, illegal hunting and trade as well as the spread of canine distemper virus," he said in a statement today.
The six initiatives to be implemented by the Task Force are:
* Boots on the ground enforcement and patrolling by the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) together with the police, army and the Orang Asli community;
* Strengthen and maintain habitat through sustainable land use management and stopping any encroachment and poaching activities;
* Increase forestry areas in the Peninsula from 43.41 per cent to 50 per cent by the year 2040 in line with the Fourth National Physical Plan;
* Establish the Malayan Tiger Conservation Unit under Perhilitan to empower effective governance and strengthen the National Wildlife Forensic Laboratory as a centre of excellence for the ex-situ conservation of the Malayan tiger;
* Empower innovative financial instruments in addition to the existing Ecological Fiscal Transfer for Biodiversity Conservation financial incentives and the implementation of the Malayan tiger habitat accreditation scheme; and,
* Carry out the "Save the Malayan Tigers" campaign to increase awareness and involvement of strategic partners.
Ismail Sabri said the government had amended the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 on Dec 21 last year to increase the effectiveness of wildlife conservation legislation including the Malayan tiger.
The amendment sees the maximum fine increased from RM500,000 to RM1 million and maximum jail term from 10 years to 15 years to prevent and provide appropriate lessons to perpetrators of wildlife crimes.
In addition, he said there are new provisions to enable action to be taken against individuals who advertise the sale of wildlife online.
"If immediate action is not taken, Malaysia faces the risk of extinction of the Malayan tiger, which is the symbol of the National Coat of Arms, the emblem of the states as well as various ministries, departments and agencies.
"More worryingly, the country's iconic species will disappear forever," Ismail Sabri said.