The Malayan tiger is widely known to be the national treasure and animal of Malaysia, but sadly its population faces extinction at the hands of illegal poachers.
Tragically, one such tiger suffered this fate after it was trapped and brutally killed by a group of poachers in Johor.
Dead Malayan tiger found in car boot, had 6 gunshot wounds
Photos of the dead tiger were shared widely on social media, where it showed the animal being stuffed into a black plastic bag at the back of a Perodua Alza.
NST reported that the tiger’s corpse was discovered by the police Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) Intelligence Team and Johor Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) during a raid at Felda Tenggaroh in Mersing yesterday morning (Sept 16).
FRU commander Senior Assistant Commissioner Rosli Md Yusof said the authorities were alerted following a public tip-off and quickly intervened.
He added three poachers had set up traps to ensnare other animals, but ended up trapping the tiger.
“The tiger was reported to have sustained serious injuries, believed to be from a snare, as well as six gunshot wounds to the head which caused its death.
“The poachers tried to keep the tiger for themselves due to its high value, but their efforts were foiled by the FRU intelligence unit,” he said.
‘Loss of a national treasure’
Aside from the tiger, authorities also seized a Perodua Alza and several communication devices, which came to an estimated value of RM294,007.
Rosli condemned the incident and vowed to take strong action.
The Malayan tiger is a priceless national treasure, and its loss due to human greed is a betrayal of our heritage.
“We are determined to eradicate poaching without compromise, as this is a responsibility entrusted to us for the sake of environmental sustainability and future generations.”
Three men, aged between 28 and 49, were arrested for not possessing a special permit to keep the tiger.
They, along with the seized items, were taken to the Mersing police headquarters for further action under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010.
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