Landmark effort to save Malayan tigers gains global support

Abu Dhabi witnessed a significant step towards biodiversity conservation during the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, with the signing of a landmark agreement to establish Southeast Asia’s first tiger reserve dedicated to the critically endangered Malayan tiger.

The collaboration, between the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund (MBZF) and Malaysia’s Enggang Management Services, was graced by esteemed leaders including H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi; HRH Prince Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah, Regent of Pahang; and H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the International Humanitarian Affairs Council.

The agreement includes a US$22 million (RM99.8 million) grant from MBZF over five years to support the establishment of the Al-Sultan Abdullah Royal Tiger Reserve. The 1,340-square-kilometre sanctuary, located adjacent to Taman Negara National Park, aims to conserve the Malayan tiger and other rare species while fostering community development.

Global Commitment to Save the Malayan Tiger

The Malayan tiger, a species on the brink of extinction, is a focal point of this groundbreaking initiative. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), fewer than 150 Malayan tigers remain in the wild, with populations having declined by 97% in the past century due to poaching and habitat loss.

Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, Executive Managing Director of MBZF, emphasised the urgency of conservation efforts. “If tiger populations continue to decline at this rate, experts predict their extinction within a few years. However, there are success stories where timely intervention has restored species on the brink of extinction. This initiative to support the Al-Sultan Abdullah Royal Tiger Reserve is a crucial step toward securing the Malayan tiger’s future.” she said.

Plans include establishing a research facility focused on genetic studies and fostering global scientific collaboration. Additionally, the reserve will implement captive breeding, rewilding, and translocation programmes.

Strengthening Bilateral Conservation Efforts

Dato’ Sri Muthanna Abdullah, Chairman of Enggang Holdings, underscored the importance of international cooperation in environmental conservation. “This grant from the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund reflects the depth of global partnerships in environmental conservation. Partnering with the UAE allows us to amplify our efforts to protect the Malayan tiger and other rare species. The project’s results will showcase the effectiveness of international cooperation, inspiring similar initiatives worldwide,” he remarked.

Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah, Crown Prince of Pahang, highlighted the reserve’s dual focus on conservation and community development. “Through unity and collective efforts, we will be able to restore habitats and ensure the survival of this species in its natural habitat,” he said, adding that the project marks Malaysia’s commitment to preserving its natural heritage for future generations.

H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan emphasised the UAE’s commitment to biodiversity preservation, inspired by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s legacy of championing environmental protection for future generations.

While the Malayan tiger is the reserve’s flagship species, the initiative will also benefit a host of rare and endangered animals, including elephants, sun bears, and tapirs. The reserve’s comprehensive conservation measures aim to stabilise Malaysia’s ecosystems, creating a ripple effect for biodiversity preservation across the region.