Animals

Vinod Sekhar Foundation supports Rimau’s efforts to save the Malayan Tiger

Rimau both raises awareness to bring an end to poaching and provides Orang Asli communities an alternative livelihood

Updated 2 years ago · Published on 04 Mar 2022 10:00AM

Vinod Sekhar Foundation supports Rimau’s efforts to save the Malayan Tiger
(From left) Vice-president of Rimau, David Mizan Hashim, chairman and chief executive of PETRA Group Datuk (Dr) Vinod Sekhar, and Rimau president Lara Ariffin making a plea for continued efforts to protect the Malayan Tiger. – SADIQ ASYRAF/The Vibes pic, March 4, 2022

THE Vinod Sekhar Foundation has thrown its weight behind the critical work of Rimau, an NGO dedicated to the preservation of the Malayan Tiger and its dwindling habitat.  

The Malayan Tiger, found only in Peninsular Malaysia and southern Thailand, is its own subspecies. In the 1950s, it was estimated that 3,000 roamed Malaysia's rainforests but the latest National Tiger Survey results indicate that there are less than 150 left in the wild.

Speaking at an event yesterday between the Vinod Sekhar Foundation and Rimau in conjunction with World Wildlife Day, Rimau president Lara Ariffin said, “While the loss of habitat has contributed to the decreasing numbers in the past, the biggest threat to tigers today is poaching. We believe that the best way to save the Malayan Tiger is to protect its habitat from poachers.” 

Lara speaking during the event in conjunction with World Wildlife Day. – SADIQ ASYRAF/The Vibes pic
Lara speaking during the event in conjunction with World Wildlife Day. – SADIQ ASYRAF/The Vibes pic

Apart from creating awareness of the urgency to save the tigers from poaching, Rimau together with Perak State Parks Corporation has spearheaded the formation of the Menraq Patrol Unit, which is made up entirely of the indigenous Jahai Community. The creation of Menraq is to patrol the Royal Belum State Park – to search for and dispose of snares that are detrimental to the Malayan Tiger while providing a livelihood for the local community.  

The Vinod Sekhar Foundation is one of Rimau’s first major funders, with a donation of RM300,000 which allowed the organisation to begin its efforts for the community patrolling unit. The Foundation’s funds contribute towards Menraq’s training, equipment, and the wages for the Orang Asli community. 

Supporting indigenous communities is a vital element in Rimau's conservation efforts. – Pic courtesy of Rimau
Supporting indigenous communities is a vital element in Rimau's conservation efforts. – Pic courtesy of Rimau

Representing the Foundation, Datuk (Dr) Vinod Sekhar said this year, which is the Year of The Tiger, is a poignant reminder that there is a lot more to be done to save the Malayan Tiger. 

“The tiger symbolises courage and strength. Tigers are our national icon, the symbol of Malaysian pride. Unfortunately, looking at what is happening around us, the extinction of the Malayan Tiger will happen sooner than we realise. It is time we wake up to the reality of the situation,” said Vinod, who is also chairman and chief executive of PETRA Group. 

“We intend to reverse this because failure is unacceptable. I hope that with our support and that of other organisations and corporations, these majestic beings will multiply in numbers and roar again.  

"Sticking our heads in the sand pretending nothing is wrong is no longer an option. In this respect, corporations have a key role to play,” he said, rallying other corporations to also come forward and support the cause of conservation. 

Also present at the event was David Mizan Hashim, vice-president of Rimau. 

“One of the key things that attracted us to the project that Rimau has in saving the tigers is that they also provide opportunities for the Orang Asli villages involved, to have jobs that maintains their dignity and their culture,” Vinod added.

David said, “While it will take time to bring tiger numbers up to a sustainable level, we believe it is possible through this project in conjunction with the various efforts made by other NGOs and the government.” 

“If tigers are properly protected, their populations can recover quite quickly. We only have a small window of opportunity to save the Malayan tiger. We need more Malaysians to join in the fight,” he added. 

The isolated pockets of forest reserves in Peninsular Malaysia represent what is left of the homeland of the Malayan Tiger. – Pic courtesy of Rimau
The isolated pockets of forest reserves in Peninsular Malaysia represent what is left of the homeland of the Malayan Tiger. – Pic courtesy of Rimau

Rimau is also collaborating with several other partners and believes that this is a battle that must be fought together as the task at hand is monumental.  

Lara added that Menraq, which started from five members in 2019 in Royal Belum, now consists of thirty members. Rimau also has a new team of ten patrollers in Amanjaya Forest Reserve, where they are working with Perak State Forestry. 

Rimau is also looking for more funding to expand in other areas in Perak and to ensure the maximum chance for survival for the Malayan tiger. 

At the end of giving his remarks, Vinod made the surprise announcement of providing a further RM1 million to Rimau over the next three years. – The Vibes, March 4, 2022

Members of the public who wish to make a contribution to Rimau may make out donations to:

Persatuan Pelindung Harimau Malaysia (Rimau)

CIMB Bank account number  8009687143

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