IPOH: The state government will add 340,000ha of Conservation Assured Tiger Standards (CATS) in five permanent forest reserves in Perak.
CATS is accreditation that sets the minimum standards for tiger conservation in an area. The latest effort involves the Forestry Department, the state Economic Planning Unit, the Department of Wildlife Protection and National Parks (Perhilitan) and non-governmental organisations such as WWF.
State Science, Environment and Green Technology Committee chairman Teh Kok Lim said the state and federal governments were committed to protecting the Malayan tiger.
"Perak is the leading state in efforts to protect the Malayan tiger," Teh (DAP-Aulong) said in reply to a question from Goh See Hua (DAP-Pasir Pinji) at the state assembly here today.
Teh said various efforts and actions were taken to protect the Malayan tiger in accordance with the National Tiger Conservation Task Force (MyTTF).
"Among them is the establishment of the Malayan Tiger Conservation Unit in Perak by Perhilitan, enforcement and patrol and re-release of sambar deer in state forests.
"We are also strengthening their habitat in the Central Forest Spine Corridor (CFS).
"The four main corridors are Padang Chong Forest Reserve-Sungai Kuak Forest Reserve; Bukit Larut Forest Reserve-Bubu Forest Reserve; Bintang Hijau Forest Reserve-Papulut Forest Reserve and Bubu Forest Reserve-Matang Mangrove Swamp Forest," the added.
Teh said the state government was proactive in environmental conservation.
"Our commitment to maintaining forest areas that are wildlife habitats and other valuable treasures was further proven when the state government on Jan 23 this year agreed to gazette 18,866ha of government land in Hulu Perak sub-district as a permanent forest reserve.
"This area is called Amanjaya Permanent Forest Reserve," he said, adding that the state government also launched tree-planting campaigns in several areas, including mangrove swamps.
He said the Perhilitan Department has also appointed almost 200 local community rangers, consisting of ex-soldiers, Orang Asli and local residents.
They are stationed at strategic posts to prevent hunting, exploration and other illegal activities that destroy the environment, such as mining.