Latest news with #AbdulKadirAbuHashim
The Sun
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Malaysia steps up fight to save Malayan tiger
SHAH ALAM: Efforts to conserve the critically endangered Malayan tiger have shown encouraging progress since 2021, with various initiatives implemented to protect the species and its natural habitat. Wildlife and National Parks Department director-general Datuk Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim said the conservation of the Malayan tiger must not be taken lightly as it requires strong commitment, coordinated action and ongoing public awareness. Among the key initiatives is the Biodiversity Protection and Patrolling Programme (BP3), introduced to combat poaching through cross-agency enforcement under the Integrated Khazanah Operation (IKO). To date, IKO has carried out 72 operations, resulting in 856 arrests and seizures worth RM390 million. 'Through collaboration with Armed Forces and police veterans, the Orang Asli and local communities, 2,500 community rangers have been appointed to curb forest encroachment, illegal logging, poaching and mining, while also improving community well-being. 'The federal government has allocated RM80 million for this effort,' he said during the World Tiger Day 2025 celebration yesterday. He added that 15,000ha of new terrestrial protected areas have been gazetted in Kedah, Perak, Selangor, Terengganu and Negeri Sembilan under the Ecological Fiscal Transfer for Biodiversity Conservation, with the allocation increased to RM250 million for this year. To strengthen action against cross-border wildlife crimes, the Wildlife Crime Bureau was established under the Royal Malaysia Police and recorded seizures worth more than RM2 million in 2024. Abdul Kadir also acknowledged state-level initiatives, citing Pahang's move to gazette the 134,183ha Al-Sultan Abdullah Royal Tiger Reserve to support population recovery. 'These efforts are carried out consistently to ensure the Malayan tiger, which faces the threat of extinction, can be preserved for future generations.' Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Huang Tiong Sii said World Tiger Day, observed on July 29, serves as a reminder of the global importance of tiger conservation. He said the situation in Malaysia remains alarming, with the First National Tiger Survey (2016 to 2020) estimating the Malayan tiger population at fewer than 150. 'Without drastic action, Malaysia could lose this iconic species within the next five to 10 years. 'The Cabinet, on June 16, 2021, agreed to implement extraordinary strategic measures over 10 years, focusing on halting the population decline, improving conservation governance and strengthening long-term survival initiatives.' Following the accreditation of Royal Belum State Park in Perak with the Conservation Assured Tiger Standards in 2023, Malaysia is now seeking similar recognition for national parks in Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan, as well as Endau Rompin National Park. Huang said the department is also working to obtain Asean Heritage Park status for the Tengku Hassanal Wildlife Reserve. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to implementing the Malayan Tiger Crisis Action Plan 2021 to 2030, strengthening enforcement through BP3 and expanding partnerships under the Save the Malayan Tiger Campaign with private sector and public involvement. The event also saw the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the department and the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), symbolically aligning with the national football team Harimau Malaya and its tagline, Demi Lencana di Dada, Demi Harimau Kita. FAM has contributed about RM200,000 to the Save the Malayan Tiger Campaign Fund to date. Since the campaign's launch in 2021, ticket sales from Harimau Malaya football matches have raised RM2.1 million for the cause. It was also revealed that six contributors – comprising FAM, private companies and youth groups – have collectively donated RM401,021 to the campaign between 2023 and 2025, signalling strong ongoing support.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Save the Malayan Tiger campaign raises RM2.1 million since 2021
SHAH ALAM: The 'Save the Malayan Tiger' campaign has collected RM2.1 million in donations since its launch in 2021, according to acting Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani. He credited the success to strategic partnerships, including the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), which contributed RM200,000 through match ticket sales. 'I would like to thank FAM for their support,' he said during the national-level Global Tiger Day celebration. The event was attended by Peninsular Malaysia Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) director-general Datuk Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim and FAM president Datuk Mohd Joehari Mohd Ayub. Johari, also Minister of Plantation and Commodities, highlighted the Cabinet's approval in 2021 of a 10-year conservation plan for the Malayan tiger. The strategy focuses on halting population decline, improving governance, and ensuring long-term survival. Perhilitan's monitoring, supported by NGOs, indicates a rising tiger population, signaling progress in conservation efforts. Malaysia is also seeking 'Conservation Assured Tiger Standards' accreditation for Taman Negara and Endau Rompin National Park. Additionally, Perhilitan aims to secure ASEAN Heritage Park status for the Tengku Hassanal Wildlife Reserve. - Bernama
The Sun
17-07-2025
- General
- The Sun
Dark side of keeping snakes as pets
PETALING JAYA: The rising trend of keeping snakes as exotic pets in Malaysia, including venomous and protected species, has sparked alarm among conservationists and authorities, who warn that the practice is not only dangerous but often illegal. Concerns are mounting over public safety, animal cruelty and the exploitation of endangered wildlife, as authorities investigate reports of live animals, including stray cats being used as snake feed. Wildlife and National Parks Department director-general Datuk Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim said the ownership, trade and keeping of snakes in Peninsular Malaysia are regulated under two legislations, the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 [Act 716] and the International Trade in Endangered Species Act 2008 [Act 686]. The latter enforces the provisions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). 'Certain snakes are categorised as either 'protected' or 'totally protected',' he said. 'Protected species may be kept with a valid licence, while totally protected species generally cannot be owned privately unless for approved scientific or conservation purposes.' He added that any species listed under the CITES appendices cannot be kept or traded without a special permit, especially in international transactions. Individuals who wish to import, export, sell or keep snakes listed under Act 716 or Act 686 must apply for a licence or special permit from the department. 'The approval of such permits is not automatic and subject to several considerations, including the conservation status of the species, intended purpose (such as research or education) and experience and capacity to safely handle wildlife.' He also said the department imposes stringent controls on venomous snakes such as cobras (Naja kaouthia, Naja sumatrana) and vipers, due to the public safety risks and their ecological sensitivity. 'Keeping venomous snakes as pets is generally prohibited. They are also restricted from being used in public shows, mobile exhibitions or private collections without prior approval.' Abdul Kadir said the department monitors and inspects individuals and facilities granted permits to ensure compliance. Amid the rise in exotic pet ownership, authorities are also investigating reports of pet or stray cats being used to feed snakes. 'Such acts raise ethical and legal concerns. Under the Animal Welfare Act 2015, all animals, including prey, must be treated humanely.' He explained that feeding live vertebrates such as cats to snakes could be considered an offence if the act causes distress or if the prey is not euthanised. 'This may amount to animal cruelty and could be enforced by the Veterinary Services Department.' Universiti Putra Malaysia wildlife management senior lecturer Dr Tengku Rinalfi Putra said although some species may be kept with a licence, he opposed the private ownership of venomous snakes. 'These are wild animals that require natural ecological inputs to thrive and replicating that in captivity is nearly impossible. Captivity limits their ability to behave naturally and creates safety risks for people nearby.' He said Malaysia's wildlife laws are adequate but need stricter enforcement. 'Many violations go unnoticed or unpunished. Illegal trade and unlicensed ownership are being normalised in some circles.' 'Some claim the permit process is difficult, but these systems are in place to protect the animals and the public.' He added that growing interest in exotic pets is putting pressure on vulnerable species. 'Ownership could accelerate population declines, especially when animals are taken from the wild,' he said, urging the public to support licensed zoos and genuine conservation efforts. He also noted a lack of individual-based guidelines for private ownership. 'What we have are zoo-based guidelines, not policies suited for individuals. We need a framework but there is no method to accomplish it yet.' He said keeping wildlife for appearances does not aid conservation. 'Captive breeding rarely supports reintroduction due to dietary changes and the loss of survival skills. 'Appreciation for wildlife means protecting them in their natural habitats, not caging them for looks.'
The Sun
17-07-2025
- General
- The Sun
Malaysia warns against illegal, dangerous snake pet trend
PETALING JAYA: The rising trend of keeping snakes as exotic pets in Malaysia, including venomous and protected species, has sparked alarm among conservationists and authorities, who warn that the practice is not only dangerous but often illegal. Concerns are mounting over public safety, animal cruelty and the exploitation of endangered wildlife, as authorities investigate reports of live animals, including stray cats being used as snake feed. Wildlife and National Parks Department director-general Datuk Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim said the ownership, trade and keeping of snakes in Peninsular Malaysia are regulated under two legislations, the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 [Act 716] and the International Trade in Endangered Species Act 2008 [Act 686]. The latter enforces the provisions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). 'Certain snakes are categorised as either 'protected' or 'totally protected',' he said. 'Protected species may be kept with a valid licence, while totally protected species generally cannot be owned privately unless for approved scientific or conservation purposes.' He added that any species listed under the CITES appendices cannot be kept or traded without a special permit, especially in international transactions. Individuals who wish to import, export, sell or keep snakes listed under Act 716 or Act 686 must apply for a licence or special permit from the department. 'The approval of such permits is not automatic and subject to several considerations, including the conservation status of the species, intended purpose (such as research or education) and experience and capacity to safely handle wildlife.' He also said the department imposes stringent controls on venomous snakes such as cobras (Naja kaouthia, Naja sumatrana) and vipers, due to the public safety risks and their ecological sensitivity. 'Keeping venomous snakes as pets is generally prohibited. They are also restricted from being used in public shows, mobile exhibitions or private collections without prior approval.' Abdul Kadir said the department monitors and inspects individuals and facilities granted permits to ensure compliance. Amid the rise in exotic pet ownership, authorities are also investigating reports of pet or stray cats being used to feed snakes. 'Such acts raise ethical and legal concerns. Under the Animal Welfare Act 2015, all animals, including prey, must be treated humanely.' He explained that feeding live vertebrates such as cats to snakes could be considered an offence if the act causes distress or if the prey is not euthanised. 'This may amount to animal cruelty and could be enforced by the Veterinary Services Department.' Universiti Putra Malaysia wildlife management senior lecturer Dr Tengku Rinalfi Putra said although some species may be kept with a licence, he opposed the private ownership of venomous snakes. 'These are wild animals that require natural ecological inputs to thrive and replicating that in captivity is nearly impossible. Captivity limits their ability to behave naturally and creates safety risks for people nearby.' He said Malaysia's wildlife laws are adequate but need stricter enforcement. 'Many violations go unnoticed or unpunished. Illegal trade and unlicensed ownership are being normalised in some circles.' 'Some claim the permit process is difficult, but these systems are in place to protect the animals and the public.' He added that growing interest in exotic pets is putting pressure on vulnerable species. 'Ownership could accelerate population declines, especially when animals are taken from the wild,' he said, urging the public to support licensed zoos and genuine conservation efforts. He also noted a lack of individual-based guidelines for private ownership. 'What we have are zoo-based guidelines, not policies suited for individuals. We need a framework but there is no method to accomplish it yet.' He said keeping wildlife for appearances does not aid conservation. 'Captive breeding rarely supports reintroduction due to dietary changes and the loss of survival skills. 'Appreciation for wildlife means protecting them in their natural habitats, not caging them for looks.'
Malay Mail
17-07-2025
- General
- Malay Mail
Jumbo trouble: Six elephants from notorious herd captured in Johor village
KLUANG, July 17 — The Johor Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) managed to capture six wild elephants during an operation within the vicinity of Kampung Pinggir here today. Johor Health and Environment Committee chairman Ling Tian Soon said all six elephants, described as disruptive, were captured at 2pm during the Integrated Elephant Translocation Operation that was led by Perhilitan. He said the operation, that started on Monday in Sembrong, was mounted following complaints that the wild elephants had caused disturbance for villagers in Kampung Sri Lukut near here. 'The captured wild elephants, with some measuring up to two metres in height, have been identified as belonging to the Taman Negara ID herd. 'This particular herd has been known to frequently cause trouble and create conflicts,' he said in a posting on his official Facebook page today. One of the captured wild elephants, measuring up to two metres in height, that was identified from the Taman Negara ID herd, July 17, 2025. — Picture courtesy of Ling Tian Soon Ling said the operation is an ongoing effort by the Elephant Translocation Unit with the Johor and Peninsular Perhilitan. Yesterday, Johor Perhilitan announced that it would mount a large-scale Integrated Elephant Translocation Operation to relocate 25 elephants from conflict zones across Peninsular Malaysia, starting this month through July next year. Perhilitan director-general Datuk Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim said the operation is a strategic move to address the issue of elephant-human conflict in a comprehensive and effective manner. He said Johor was the first state to host the operation. The Integrated Elephant Translocation Operation aims to systematically reduce elephant conflict in high-risk locations, identify and relocate elephant groups that are actively disrupting agricultural areas, villages and residential areas. In addition, the operation also aims to restore the ecosystem through wild elephant population control outside of their original habitat and the collection of scientific data to improve management policies.
