KUALA LUMPUR: New and high-impact initiatives will be adopted to enhance the preservation and conservation of Malayan Tiger habitats, says Energy and Natural Resources Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah.

       He said among the steps to be taken would be to deploy enforcement and control patrols to curb intruders and poachers.

       He added the ministry was in the midst of amending the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 (Act 716) to impose heavier sentences and penalties for the offence of hunting fully protected wildlife species, including the Malayan Tiger.

       “Amendments to Act 716 will be tabled in the next Parliament sitting. In addition, enactments related to protected areas will be strengthened, especially increasing penalty rates for wildlife crime as one of the deterrents,” he said in a statement yesterday.

       He said the ministry had also formed an expert team to provide input on strategic moves to address the crisis.

       Shamsul Anuar said a total of 5,287 smuggled Malayan Tiger body parts were confiscated between 2011 and 2020.

       On June 16, the Cabinet agreed on various strategic moves for the conservation of the Malayan Tigers to be implemented in a 10-year period from 2021 until 2030, he added.

       The ministry would strengthen cooperation with state governments in the efforts to restore, maintain and enhance the wilderness area of the Malayan Tiger. — Bernama