TEMERLOH: East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project owner, Malaysia Rail Link (MRL) along with China Communications Construction (ECRL) Sdn Bhd (CCC-ECRL) have joined forces to protect the endangered Malayan Tiger (panthera tigris jacksoni) at the Malayan Tiger Conservation Centre (MTCC) in Lanchang near here.
They have embarked on a tree planting initiative at MTCC, in line with the corporate social responsibility efforts of the ECRL project to promote Malayan Tiger conservation awareness in collaboration with the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan).
The programme aims to fulfil the long-term plans of Perhilitan and MTCC in safeguarding the Malayan Tiger population and aiding in the breeding efforts of the endangered wildlife species.
Yesterday, some 100 individuals, who were part of the ECRL project, planted various species of tree saplings at MTCC in a bid to help enrich the tiger enclosures through the 'Malayan Tiger Habitat Enrichment Cooperation Programme.'
Held for the first time, the programme consists of three phases namely soil treatment, liming and fertilisation in the first stage followed by planting of saplings, shade trees, and fruit trees in the second phase and the final phase focuses on the maintenance, pruning, and fertilisation of trees in the MTCC paddocks.
MRL chief executive officer Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak said the ECRL project is excited to play an active role through the programme in raising awareness about the increasing threat against the tiger population in Malaysia.
"ECRL hopes the support provided through the programme will help strengthen suitable habitats and food availability for the wild animals and increase their breeding rate.
"We are committed to continuing proactive measures to assist the government in advancing tiger conservation to the next level, which includes enhancing the population of Malayan Tigers, currently estimated to be only around 150 in the country," he said during the launching of the programme in Lanchang here yesterday.
Meanwhile, Perhilitan director-general Datuk Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim said enhancing the strategic collaboration between the department, MRL and CCC-ECRL in wildlife conservation serves as a catalyst for the conservation of biodiversity through the collective efforts by all parties, including corporate and non-governmental organisations.
CCC-ECRL managing director Kong Qi said the company has maintained close ties with Perhilitan since 2018 to oversee the well-being of wildlife and their habitats along the ECRL alignment as part of the Wildlife Management Plan.
"We aim to safeguard the environment during the construction process. As part of this commitment, we have planned to construct more than 20 animal crossings of various sizes along the alignment, facilitating safe passage for wildlife," he said.
In 2018, CCC-ECRL pledged over RM9 million to Perhilitan to minimise negative impact from the project, including protecting the natural habitats of flora and fauna.
CCC-ECRL inked a supplementary agreement with Perhilitan on a Wildlife Management Plan in September last year where it was reported the ECRL alignment encompasses 40 tunnels, approximately 145km of elevated tracks, and 27 wildlife box culverts at strategic locations to minimise the environmental impact on natural forests, rivers, and water sources.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim when tabling the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) mid-term review on Sept 11 said special efforts will be intensified to protect the Malayan tiger which is only found in the country.
The 665km ECRL, launched in 2017 and scheduled for completion by December 2026, will traverse the east coast states of Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang through to the Klang Valley.