PETALING JAYA: A family of critically endangered Malayan tigers has been spotted roaming freely at a Felda palm oil plantation in Dungun, Terengganu, according to a Sinar Harian report.

       A tigress with four cubs, said to be about two years old, were spotted on an infrared camera by the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) at Ladang Felda Kerteh 4, according to state Agriculture, Food Industry, Plantation Commodities and Rural Development committee chairman Dr Azman Ibrahim.

       Azman said Ladang Felda Kerteh 4 has aways been a popular spot for tiger sightings, as it is situated at the edge of the forest and there are about 1,000 cows kept by a farmer nearby.

       The tigress is also believed to be responsible for attacks on livestock in the area.

       "Based on the picture, we believe that the female was training its cubs to hunt because the cows that were killed were not eaten at all," he was quoted by Sinar Harian in a report on Friday (July 2).

       The last known attack by the tigress was on June 14, he added.

       "About 240 cows owned by Felda settlers have been killed since tigers began appearing in the area in 2019. It is fortunate that only livestock has been eaten so far," Azman said.

       Azman said Terengganu Perhilitan has been staying at the affected farm since May to conduct 24-hour surveillance.

       To prevent tiger attacks, Azman said Felda settlers were given a 6pm curfew every day and were advised to keep their cows inside secure pens.

       "We also advise the public not to visit the picnic area at a waterfall near the Felda farm," he added.

       Malayan tigers have been listed as critically endangered since 2015.