THE carcass of a tiger found dead in a car with three individuals in Felda Tenggaroh, Mersing in Johor is believed to be for sale on the black market.
Director-General of the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan), Datuk Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim, said the value of the animal was estimated between RM250,000 and RM300,000.
He said Perhilitan was working with the police to identify the syndicate involved following the arrest of the three suspects.
“We believe this activity involves a wildlife trafficking syndicate. Every part of the species has value on the black market.
“Operations to combat poaching are the main focus in efforts to protect the Malayan Tiger and other endangered wildlife,” he told Buletin TV3.
He said the current population of tigers is only recorded in forest reserves and protected areas located in eight main states identified as the wild animal's home range.
The states are Perak, Pahang, Johor, Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah, Selangor and Negeri Sembilan.
"This shows that the natural habitat of tigers is now very limited and concentrated in protected areas that still have forest ecosystems suitable for the survival of this species," he said.
Last Tuesday, an attempt by three men to store the carcass was successfully foiled in the Integrated Operation Khazanah in Felda Tenggaroh, Mersing carried out by the Bukit Aman Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) Intelligence Unit and the Johor Forestry Department.
Three men aged 28 to 49 were arrested after they had failed to present any special permits to possess or keep the protected species. - September 18, 2025
