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“While I estimate the value of a tiger at around RM250,000 to RM300,000 per animal, its price can rise significantly depending on market scarcity and syndicate competition,” Abdul Kadir says
THE Wildlife Department has linked the recent killing of a critically endangered Malayan tiger to overseas black market syndicates, suggesting the act was part of a transnational wildlife trafficking operation driven by high-value demand.
“I am confident the female Malayan tiger that was recently trapped and killed by poachers was specifically targeted for the black market abroad. There are syndicates outside the country placing orders and offering high prices,” said Director-General of the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN), Datuk Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim, in an interview with Metro Ahad.
He was referring to the discovery of a tiger carcass seized from three individuals in FELDA Tenggaroh, Mersing, Johor, which authorities believe was intended for international trafficking.
“While I estimate the value of a tiger at around RM250,000 to RM300,000 per animal, its price can rise significantly depending on market scarcity and syndicate competition,” he said.
Abdul Kadir added that investigations are ongoing to uncover the syndicate’s network and the final destination of the poached tiger. Intelligence efforts have been intensified to trace the supply chain and trafficking routes.
“For poachers, a single tiger can yield hundreds of thousands of ringgit. That is why they are indifferent to how many tigers remain in the wild,” he said.
Current estimates suggest only around 150 Malayan tigers (Panthera tigris jacksoni) are left in the wild across Peninsular Malaysia, making the species one of the most critically endangered globally.
Other wildlife species, including the Malayan sun bear (Helarctos malayanus) and the Sunda pangolin (Manis javanica), are also facing extinction due to poaching, largely fuelled by demand for traditional medicine, Abdul Kadir noted.
“There is no scientific evidence that the organs or body parts of wild animals can cure illnesses, despite such claims,” he said. “But as long as people continue to believe in these so-called benefits, illegal hunting will persist.”
PERHILITAN will continue ramping up enforcement under the Integrated Khazanah Operation (Operasi Bersepadu Khazanah – OBK), a national anti-poaching initiative.
Earlier this year, authorities uncovered a tiger poaching case in Rompin, Pahang, during an OBK operation. The investigation led to the seizure of tiger bones and remains, believed to have been processed for black market sale.
“The local syndicate was found to be skinning and storing the tiger’s meat and bones before moving them into illegal trade,” Abdul Kadir said.
Efforts to protect Malaysia’s iconic wildlife have become increasingly urgent as conservationists warn of a potential extinction crisis, should poaching and illegal trade continue unchecked. - October 5, 2025