Going grassroots to save our tiger
Orang Asli-led patrols, eye on youth offer new hope
PETALING JAYA: A revolution to save our critically endangered Malayan tiger is unfolding, led by the Orang Asli who have called the forests home for generations.
The community is not alone in this cause as the Tiger Protection Society of Malaysia (Rimau) is there to lend a helping hand.
Since its founding in 2018, Rimau continues to empower the Orang Asli in Perak by training them to become skilled patrollers and guardians of their ancestral forests where the tigers live.
Rimau president Lara Ariffin said that they have made major strides in improving their conservation efforts' effectiveness and reach through expanded patrols and improved equipment since November last year.
'We have increased the number of trained Indigenous rangers, particularly in Amanjaya, Korbu and Piah forest reserves, allowing for wider patrol coverage and quicker response to poaching threats.
'With support from our partners, we've also acquired new field equipment, including GPS units, camera traps and a communication tool.
'All these have helped us improve data collection and ranger safety during operations,' she said in an interview.
She said that training has also seen a significant boost with new modules in SMART monitoring, bush craft, first aid and navigation added to the training curriculum for patrollers.
She added that Rimau's Menraq Muda youth programmes are helping instil a sense of stewardship in the next generation through hands-on learning.
'We are looking to expand our patrols to the Bintang Hijau forest reserve by next year with the goal of treating all forests in Perak as one connected landscape.
'While progress has been made, we have yet to reach the optimum ratio of 10 patrollers per 100 square kilometres, which is crucial for effective forest monitoring and anti-poaching efforts.'
Lara added that Rimau has trained four young women from the Jahai community to be pre-school teachers at Rumah Baca with the mission of nurturing the community's children to inherit the mantle of forest guardianship.
But it hasn't been without setbacks, including the death of a female tiger they had tracked for over two years on the East-West Highway, as well as a notable decline in wild boar populations due to African swine fever.
On the bright side, Lara said that winning the Star Golden Hearts Award (SGHA) last November put a much-needed national spotlight on their cause.
The recognition led to new partnerships, more sponsors and increased volunteer interest.
'The award affirmed that community-driven conservation can be both effective and inspiring, encouraging more people to support, share and take part in protecting Malaysia's natural heritage,' she said.
The SGHA returns for the 11th edition to honour everyday Malaysians whose compassion and selflessness have made a lasting impact on others.
With McDonald's Malaysia as the new strategic partner, SGHA is poised to broaden its reach and deepen its impact nationwide.
This year also marks the debut of the McDonald's Caring Hearts Award – a special recognition honouring individuals or grassroots groups whose heartfelt acts of kindness have uplifted lives in profound and lasting ways.
Since its inception in 2015, SGHA has honoured over 100 individuals and organisations whose efforts have inspired action, transformed lives and strengthened communities nationwide.
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The Star
2 days ago
- The Star
Going grassroots to save our tiger
Dedicated guardian: Lara awarding a certificate of appreciation to an Orang Asli ranger under Rimau. Orang Asli-led patrols, eye on youth offer new hope PETALING JAYA: A revolution to save our critically endangered Malayan tiger is unfolding, led by the Orang Asli who have called the forests home for generations. The community is not alone in this cause as the Tiger Protection Society of Malaysia (Rimau) is there to lend a helping hand. Since its founding in 2018, Rimau continues to empower the Orang Asli in Perak by training them to become skilled patrollers and guardians of their ancestral forests where the tigers live. Rimau president Lara Ariffin said that they have made major strides in improving their conservation efforts' effectiveness and reach through expanded patrols and improved equipment since November last year. 'We have increased the number of trained Indigenous rangers, particularly in Amanjaya, Korbu and Piah forest reserves, allowing for wider patrol coverage and quicker response to poaching threats. 'With support from our partners, we've also acquired new field equipment, including GPS units, camera traps and a communication tool. 'All these have helped us improve data collection and ranger safety during operations,' she said in an interview. She said that training has also seen a significant boost with new modules in SMART monitoring, bush craft, first aid and navigation added to the training curriculum for patrollers. She added that Rimau's Menraq Muda youth programmes are helping instil a sense of stewardship in the next generation through hands-on learning. 'We are looking to expand our patrols to the Bintang Hijau forest reserve by next year with the goal of treating all forests in Perak as one connected landscape. 'While progress has been made, we have yet to reach the optimum ratio of 10 patrollers per 100 square kilometres, which is crucial for effective forest monitoring and anti-poaching efforts.' Lara added that Rimau has trained four young women from the Jahai community to be pre-school teachers at Rumah Baca with the mission of nurturing the community's children to inherit the mantle of forest guardianship. But it hasn't been without setbacks, including the death of a female tiger they had tracked for over two years on the East-West Highway, as well as a notable decline in wild boar populations due to African swine fever. On the bright side, Lara said that winning the Star Golden Hearts Award (SGHA) last November put a much-needed national spotlight on their cause. The recognition led to new partnerships, more sponsors and increased volunteer interest. 'The award affirmed that community-driven conservation can be both effective and inspiring, encouraging more people to support, share and take part in protecting Malaysia's natural heritage,' she said. The SGHA returns for the 11th edition to honour everyday Malaysians whose compassion and selflessness have made a lasting impact on others. With McDonald's Malaysia as the new strategic partner, SGHA is poised to broaden its reach and deepen its impact nationwide. This year also marks the debut of the McDonald's Caring Hearts Award – a special recognition honouring individuals or grassroots groups whose heartfelt acts of kindness have uplifted lives in profound and lasting ways. Since its inception in 2015, SGHA has honoured over 100 individuals and organisations whose efforts have inspired action, transformed lives and strengthened communities nationwide.
The Star
3 days ago
- The Star
Stop further destruction of Bukit Kiara park
Over 300 trees were felled on the hill slope adjacent to Jalan Abang Haji Openg in Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur. I REFER to the article 'Trees felled in Bukit Kiara Park will be replaced' in StarMetro on July 19. As a long-time resident of Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI), I am writing with deep anguish and frustration over the massive destruction that has occurred in Taman Persekutuan Bukit Kiara − ironically carried out by the very agency entrusted with protecting it: National Landscape Department (JLN). The destruction of over 300 trees on the hill slope adjacent to Jalan Abang Haji Openg in TTDI is nothing short of heartbreaking. JLN's justification that many of the felled trees were invasive rubber trees is misleading. Yes, Bukit Kiara was once a commercial rubber estate, and yes, some of the trees were non-native. But what about the many other non-invasive species? Could none of them be preserved? Why was every single tree removed without exception? Couldn't JLN, as an agency that preaches the preservation of biodiversity, have saved some trees and built around them? Apparently not, because it's far more convenient for the contractors to work on a completely barren, obstacle-free site. So instead of planning with nature, JLN chose to plan against it, wiping the hill clean for ease of construction. And now the residents must live with the consequences; bare slopes, exposed soil, rising temperatures, dust, noise and an ever-present fear of landslides. Even more distressing is that this environmental desecration occurred without any prior engagement with residents or stakeholders. The affected community was only informed after the trees were gone. That is simply unacceptable. JLN defended its actions by pledging to plant 614 new trees and over 3,700 shrubs. But anyone who knows trees knows that no number of saplings can immediately replicate the cooling shade, carbon capture, soil stability and biodiversity supported by mature trees. That will take decades. In the meantime, residents suffer. The rationale given – that JLN needs a physical presence on-site to manage Bukit Kiara – is not convincing. There is ample existing office space in the vicinity that could have easily accommodated JLN staff. There was absolutely no need to build a new four-storey structure at the expense of our already threatened green lung. What we need now is a clear and committed way forward to restore trust, limit further damage and ensure this never happens again. As such: 1. Early and genuine engagement with major stakeholders must be the norm. The voices of the rakyat, especially those directly affected, must be heard before projects begin – not after bulldozers have done their work. 2. Strict project timelines must be enforced. The current JLN-led upgrade of the Lake Park is already showing signs of stagnation, with days of inactivity and no visible progress. JLN must be present on-site to ensure contractors don't drag their feet. 3. No more concrete structures in Bukit Kiara. Let this be the last of such buildings. The soul of Bukit Kiara is its nature – not its walls. 4. During the 2.5-year construction phase, all environmental and community safeguards must be observed. These include keeping noise levels within legal limits, preventing soil erosion and landslides, not carrying out work after sunset, and minimising dust pollution. 5. A six-monthly public progress report must be issued. This is essential to keep the community informed, hold contractors accountable and ensure timely completion. The report should detail the percentage of work completed, upcoming phases, issues faced and steps taken. JLN must also continue engaging residents until final handover. This isn't just about buildings or trees; it is about public trust, transparency and doing right by future generations. DR POLA SINGH Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur The writer is co-founder of Friends of Bukit Kiara
The Star
5 days ago
- The Star
Standing tall and proud of her roots
It was a difficult start, but for this Orang Asli educator it was all worth it IPOH: Growing up, Rasila Yas would ride in a police truck to get to school. It was a 13km journey, starting at 5am, from her home in Pengkalan Hulu, Perak, with the truck making its way through jungle roads and crossing the border to her school in Baling, Kedah. Her family had moved to Pengkalan Hulu when her father, a member of the Senoi Praaq unit (Polis Gerakan Am), was posted there. 'Since there were police trucks heading to Kedah and back, my father decided to send us to study in Baling, so we travelled daily,' said Rasila, who was born in Baling from the Temuan tribe. Her childhood wasn't easy. She had to put up with kids who poked fun at her as they did not understand her Orang Asli background. They questioned her appearance and the food she ate. 'I was told I looked 'too fair' to be Orang Asli. Some asked why my hair wasn't curly. 'Others laughed at me, saying that my community eat squirrel or mousedeer. 'I told this to my father but he taught me to respond with pride, not shame,' she said. She remembered her late father's advice: 'If anyone mock you for eating squirrel or mousedeer, don't deny it. Instead, describe exactly how it tastes. Stand tall.' And she was slighted for wearing torn shoes. The fourth of seven children, she came from an impoverished family who relied mostly on vegetables such as kangkung, fern and potato shoots that grew near their house. They would go fishing at a nearby river everyday. 'We ate chicken just once a month,' said Rasila, 54. She went through her schooldays with few friends. But that did not break her resolve of wanting to pursue a sound education. In 1991, Rasila took up a humanities degree course at Universiti Sains Malaysia. Eventually, she also completed a postgraduate Diploma in Education in 1995, thanks to a lecturer who encouraged her to take up teaching to serve her community. And for those who had ridiculed her in the past, Rasila has the last laugh now. She became Malaysia's first Orang Asli secondary school principal when she was appointed to lead SMK Menglembu in Ipoh on Feb 1, 2023. (There have been several Orang Asli headmasters in primary schools.) And earlier this month, she was honoured with the Orang Asli Icon Award, given to her by Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad. Rasila, who is married with five sons aged 19 to 29, paid tribute to Liew Swee Fong, a former principal of SMJK Ave Maria Convent where she once taught. Liew had mentored her and had seen her leadership potential early on, she recalled. Also, she said her geologist husband, who is from the Semai tribe and a fellow USM graduate, had been unwavering in his support. Rasila's passion for education extended beyond the classroom. Since 2008, Rasila has volunteered with the Perak Orang Asli Association. On weekends, she travels to schools in rural Perak, Pahang and Selangor motivating Orang Asli students to pursue their studies. 'Education is life-changing. That is what I want to instil to the pupils from the community. 'I tell them, if I can be in this position as a teacher, so can you,' she said. 'Although I never aimed to be a secondary school principal, maybe this is my calling to lead and to help open doors for others from my community. 'We should give back, guide others and show that we can rise, too,' she said.
