MALAYAN tigers, a critically endangered species, are preying on humans in Gua Musang, Kelantan, as their natural habitat is being destroyed, Universiti Malaya zoologist Amlir Ayat said.

“(Tiger) attacks on humans are not new. Back in the 1950s, there were already cases despite their habitat being intact. They came out to prey on easy targets,” Amlir said.

“Once a tiger has caught a human, it will start to hunt humans because they are easy prey.”

In the last two months, three tiger attacks have occurred in Gua Musang, the most recent being on Saturday on a Myanmar national in a rubber plantation.

Malayan tigers, facing have seen their numbers decline from 3,000 to 120-150 due to poaching.

Deforestation in Kelantan and Perak has pushed them toward human populated areas.

“The number is dropping each year and something has to be done,” said Amlir, who has studied tigers on several independent projects.

Amlir, who is president of the environmental group EcoKnights, said the government and its agencies must halt deforestation and poaching.

“Their habitat is in the jungle or forest. They do not want to live close to humans. The problem is deforestation,” he said.

“Tigers can’t hunt if there is no forest left. They have no choice but to look for food in cattle farms or residential areas. These are easy targets.”

In September, outdoor sports operators in Hulu Selangor had to suspend their business after tigers were spotted. The region – home to forest reserves with waterfalls, rapids, and a dam – attracts outdoor enthusiasts.

Tok Batin Sira, the Orang Asli village head in Serendah, said the residents were accustomed to seeing tigers around Batang Kali and Gerachi Jaya.

“We don’t bother the tigers, this is their territory. But I always remind the people to be careful when foraging in the forest,” he said.

“I was born and raised here. Tigers have never bothered us.”

Amlir also urged the government to allocate funds to monitor poaching.

“There needs to be cooperation from the government, the Forestry Department, and the army. Monitoring is not an easy task. They need to be in the jungle for at least two weeks,” Amlir said.

“There are people who are willing to do it, but is it worth it? With adequate allocation, I believe they are willing to.

“It’s not the tigers we should be worried about but the poachers as they have weapons,” he said.

A few days ago, a tiger was found dead near the Gua Tempurung rest area of the North-South Expressway, as shown in a viral video.

Perak Science, Environment, and Green Technology Committee chairman Teh Kok Lim said the male tiger, estimated to be between eight and 10 years’ old, was believed to have been knocked down by a trailer, following an investigation by the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan).

In October, 25-year-old Pisie Amud, an Orang Asli from Pos Pasik, was mauled to death. Reported missing on October 4, his body was found the next day.

Last week, a 42-year-old Indonesian rubber tapper, Lalu Sukarya Yahya, was attacked in Kuala Wok near Pos Pasik. His body was discovered on November 10.

The latest attack occurred on Saturday about 1.30pm. A 22-year-old Myanmar national was tapping rubber with his wife at Meranto estate when he was set upon.

Kelantan Perhilitan director Mohamad Hafid Rohani was reported as saying they have installed cameras and traps in response to these incidents.

He said it could be the same tiger that attacked both recent victims.

“Everyone knows that tigers are becoming more aggressive.

“There are many tigers in the forest, but it is likely the same tiger that attacked the Indonesian and Myanmar men because the locations of both victims are close,” Hafid had said. – November 13, 2023.