November 11, 2024
PETALING JAYA – The recent terrible theft of body parts of a tiger, killed in a road accident, is compounded by the outdated belief that these parts have medicinal or traditional value despite the lack of any scientific basis for such claims, says WWF-Malaysia.
In a statement Sunday (Nov 10), the organisation said the persistent misconceptions must be confronted and discourage the demand that fuels this illegal trade.
WWF-Malaysia also expressed its deep sadness at the tragic loss of yet another Malayan tiger, a majestic creature reduced to such a heartbreaking state.
“This unfortunate incident marks the loss of two tigers from the Belum-Temengor landscape in just one month, underscoring the urgent need for wildlife corridors and large, contiguous forests to support large mammal conservation.
“Reports that body parts were taken from the tiger’s carcass are especially disheartening. To die in such a state and have its organs stripped is a tragic end for this majestic icon — one that we must do everything to prevent.
“We are closely monitoring why tigers are venturing onto roads, examining their behaviour, habitat, and prey availability, as these factors may have impacted their movement patterns,” it said on Sunday.
It added that every loss of a tiger brings the species closer to extinction, straining the dwindling population and highlighting the challenges posed by habitat fragmentation and a decline in natural prey, like sambar deer and wild boar.
This tragedy emphasises the urgent need for stronger, more effective measures to prevent further roadkill incidents, the WWF-Malaysia added.
As such, they are urging travellers along highways, especially the Gerik-Jeli route, to drive with caution and remain vigilant for wildlife crossings.
Under the Wildlife Conservation Act, individuals found in possession of any part of a Malayan tiger without authorisation may face a minimum fine of RM150,000 and imprisonment for up to 15 years upon conviction.
WWF-Malaysia continues to support the Wildlife and National Parks Department’s (Perhilitan) efforts to monitor and protect the Malayan tiger and other species in these critical landscapes.
Additionally, Ecological Association of Malaysia president Prof Dr Ahmad Ismail said people tend to keep tiger’s parts such as teeth, skin, claws and others for many reasons.
These include for cultural beliefs, traditional medicine, luxury items, exotic, and as rare items.
“I think along Grik-Jeli road, we need to have cameras for security and wildlife monitoring purposes.
“High technology monitoring systems are needed for wildlife monitoring since the road passes through the Belum-Temengor forest reserve complex which has much wildlife including tigers and elephants.
“We need to have a warning system to warn drivers to drive carefully because of possible wildlife crossings at night,” he said.
The body parts were stolen from the carcass of a tiger believed to have been struck by a lorry near KM67.1 of the Gerik-Jeli East-West Highway on Saturday.
The stolen parts reportedly included four canine teeth, claws, the tail skin, and part of the skin from the tiger’s head.
Following the incident, Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said his ministry was taking the matter seriously, with police now investigating the theft.