Pahang and UAE join forces to protect the critically endangered Malayan tiger

KUALA LUMPUR: A historic partnership between Pahang and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been launched to safeguard the future of the critically endangered Malayan tiger (Panthera tigris jacksoni) and protect Malaysia's invaluable natural heritage. Through a generous grant of RM99.8 million (USD 22 million) from the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund (MBZIF), Enggang Management Services is poised to take bold steps toward managing the Al-Sultan Abdullah Royal Tiger Reserve, focusing on tiger conservation, habitat restoration, and community development.

The collaboration was formally announced during the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week on the 14th of January 2025, with the signing ceremony marking a pivotal moment for forest conservation and wildlife management in Malaysia. Located in Pahang’s pristine rainforest, the Al-Sultan Abdullah Royal Tiger Reserve is adjacent to Taman Negara National Park, spanning 1,340 square kilometers and serves as a vital habitat for the

critically endangered Malayan tiger, with fewer than 150 individuals estimated remaining in the wild.

His Royal Highness Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah ibni Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, Crown Prince of Pahang, expressed Pahang’s gratitude for this collaborative effort, emphasising the importance of international partnerships in addressing global conservation challenges.

“This partnership with the UAE enables us to be ambitious in our efforts to protect the Malayan tiger and other endangered species,” he said. “It serves as a testament to the power of bilateral cooperation in achieving meaningful outcomes for wildlife and ecosystems.”

The partnership aims to address critical issues such as wildlife poaching, habitat degradation, and population decline. Enggang Management Services and MBZIF will jointly oversee the initiative’s implementation through the establishment of a Grant Steering Committee. Priority actions include anti-poaching patrols and breeding programmes for prey species to secure sustainable food sources for the Malayan tiger.

Innovative solutions, such as in situ research facilities and advanced genetic studies, will be integrated to enhance conservation efforts.

“Conserving endangered species is not just a moral responsibility but a critical investment in our planet’s future,” said Her Excellency Razan Al Mubarak, Managing Director of the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund. “This initiative will ensure that the Malayan tiger has a chance to thrive while also benefiting local communities and stabilising vital ecosystems.”

While the Malayan tiger remains the flagship species of this effort, the reserve’s conservation measures will also protect other threatened and endangered animals, including the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus), Malayan tapir (Tapirus indicus), Malayan sun bear (Helarctos malayanus), and Malayan gaur (Bos gaurus).

Additionally, the initiative will help mitigate climate change by preserving rainforests that sequester millions of tons of carbon annually while engaging local and indigenous communities in conservation work and sustainable tourism.

The partnership reflects the UAE’s longstanding commitment to biodiversity conservation, with MBZIF’s impressive global footprint of over 3,000 projects in 170 countries. In Pahang, this collaboration is seen as a significant milestone that underscores the state's dedication to preserving its iconic wildlife for generations to

come.

As Pahang and the UAE embark on this shared journey, the world watches with hope that this partnership will set a benchmark for international cooperation in protecting the planet’s precious biodiversity.

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The press statement is issued by Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund (MBZIF)

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