Latest news with #LaraAriffin
The Star
30-07-2025
- General
- 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 Sun
13-05-2025
- The Sun
Death of elephant calf sparks widespread public outrage
PETALING JAYA: The death of a baby elephant along the Gerik-Jeli Highway on Sunday has sparked widespread outrage online, with renewed calls for improved road safety measures to protect wildlife. The elephant calf was killed after being struck by a lorry transporting chickens. Videos shared on social media showed the calf's mother standing beside the body, which was pinned under the vehicle for more than five hours, refusing to leave the scene. The incident has intensified public pressure on authorities to enforce stricter regulations and promote cross-agency cooperation to reduce wildlife fatalities on Malaysian highways. Speaking to theSun, wildlife documentary producer and NGO Rimau president Lara Ariffin said the tragedy reflects deeper environmental issues, particularly habitat fragmentation and forest encroachment, which are forcing wildlife to cross major roads. 'Malaysia now has only a tiny portion of its forest cover left, and much of that is already fragmented. 'When roads like the Gerik-Jeli Highway cut through forest corridors, wildlife such as elephants and tigers are left with no choice but to cross them in search of food or to reach other forested areas,' she said. The Gerik-Jeli Highway, also known as the East-West Highway, has seen repeated wildlife crossings and fatalities over the years. Hence, Lara believes more serious interventions are needed beyond roadside signboards and awareness campaigns. 'We need to implement speed traps and bumps along the route to slow down traffic,' she said, noting that many vehicles travel well above the permitted speed limit.' She suggested that relevant authorities, including the Transport Ministry, Public Works Department and police, must work more closely with the Wildlife and National Parks Department to introduce targeted enforcement in key crossing zones. 'This cannot be the responsibility of the wildlife department alone. It requires coordinated government action,' she said. The wildlife advocate described the death of the calf as 'heartbreaking', adding that such incidents underscore the emotional capacity of wildlife and the toll development takes on their survival. When asked about immediate policy recommendations, Lara emphasised the urgency of enforcing traffic controls along the East-West Highway. 'Apart from speed traps and bumps, enforcement and penalties – these are not difficult to implement. They should be a priority.' On public safety, Lara advised motorists to remain alert and avoid provoking animals encountered on the road. 'Do not honk, do not harass. Simply slow down and drive past. If an injured animal is spotted, especially a tiger, report it immediately to the wildlife department. Do not attempt to engage with it.' She added that the Gerik-Jeli Highway is no ordinary road and must be approached with caution. 'This is a critical crossing for wildlife. Without better regulation and awareness, more animals will continue to die.' Echoing similar opinion, animal welfare advocate Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said wildlife crossings are crucial in preventing tragic incidents involving animals being struck by vehicles while attempting to cross roads in search of food. In a statement, Lee said such collisions not only lead to the loss of valuable wildlife but also pose serious risks to motorists, potentially resulting in injuries and, in some cases, fatalities. He also urged the authorities to take immediate action to protect both wildlife and road users to significantly reduce such accidents. Among the measures he proposed was the construction of dedicated wildlife overpass or underpass in areas with frequent animal movement, particularly near forested regions. 'The crossings should be designed based on the movement patterns of local species such as tapirs, elephants, and other vulnerable wildlife,' he said. Lee added that authorities should also consider installing fencing along highways to direct animals toward designated crossing points and prevent them from straying onto roads. He also emphasised the importance of public education on wildlife conservation and the need for cautious driving in areas known to be inhabited by wildlife. 'By investing in wildlife crossings and taking proactive measures to protect our natural heritage, we can ensure the safety of both our wildlife and our citizens. The time to act is now, before more lives, human and animal, are lost to preventable accidents,' he added.
