Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah for their continued advocacy .
Their presence , he said , symbolised “ a profound concern for the environment of Pahang , particularly for the Malayan tiger species ”.
Yet , as the majestic tiger fades from Malaysia ’ s dense forests , Tengku Hassanal left no room for complacency , declaring that saving this icon was not simply an environmental issue but a moral imperative for Malaysia and the world .
He emphasised that the struggle to save the Malayan tiger represented more than just an effort to protect a species .
“ The specific fight to save the Malayan tiger , and the fight for the conservation of our natural heritage and biodiversity in general , has a multi-dimensional facet to it ,” said Tengku Hassanal .
ENDING ISOLATED EFFORTS
One of the most resounding messages from Tengku Hassanal was that isolated efforts were insufficient .
“ The days of working in silos , thinking we alone know all and can solve all the problems , are over .” he declared .
The complex threats facing the Malayan tiger - ranging from habitat destruction to illegal poaching - cannot be overcome by a single institution or nation .
“ The key to the success of this endeavour is to ensure that the best parties , with the best knowledge , adopting the best standards and practices , having the best technical ability , resources and finance , come together in order to be a formidable force to save the species .”
Recalling the establishment of the Al-Sultan Abdullah Royal Tiger Reserve , Malaysia ’ s first tiger reserve , Tengku Hassanal spoke of the immense potential of this initiative to serve as a model for tiger conservation globally .
He emphasised the importance of creating a landscape where the Malayan tiger can not only survive but thrive , urging attendees to adopt the highest standards and best practices in conservation .
“ This is not a job for one person , one organisation , or one institution - it is a job for the whole nation and the whole world .”
THE POWER OF PARTNERSHIP
The Royal Tiger Reserve is not simply a sanctuary for the Malayan tiger ; it is a symbol of hope , a place where knowledge , ideas , and action come together .
Tengku Hassanal called for the
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The specific fight to save the Malayan tiger , and the fight for the conservation of our natural heritage and biodiversity in general , has a multidimensional facet to it .”
– Tengku Hassanal
continued development of this “ collaborative ecosystem as one collaborative effort ”, highlighting that the Summit ’ s purpose is to initiate and build upon it .
“ The work of bringing together the various elements of parties and bodies that are able to undertake the job to preserve and conserve the Malayan tiger and all tigers globally has to be built upon a strong collaborative foundation .
“ To this extent , the Royal Tiger Reserve offers the platform and landscape for us to come together and build such an ecosystem .”
Tengku Hassanal explained that the reserve was now entering a new phase , with local and international specialists being brought in to conduct critical research on everything from the tiger ’ s life cycle to its habitat .
But this is not enough . He implored that Malaysia needs more , referring to the urgent need for cutting-edge technologies such as AI , advanced data analytics , and predictive conservation tools that
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can foresee challenges before they arise .
A GLOBAL CONSERVATION MODEL
Tengku Hassanal stressed that the Royal Tiger Reserve must become a global platform , one where solutions can be crafted , tested , and shared .
“ We need solutions at both the local and global levels , and we need them now ,” he warned .
From sustainable funding to technological breakthroughs , the Crown Prince highlighted that every part of the ecosystem - from flora and fauna to Indigenous communities - must be protected and nurtured to create a thriving , holistic environment for the Malayan tiger . The Summit , by inviting experts from around the world , aimed to accelerate the sharing of ideas , experiences , and actionable strategies .
Tengku Hassanal ’ s vision is for this Summit to be more than just a conversation but a catalyst to “ mobilise our knowledge , experi-
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ences and ideas into an actionable and implementable tool for current and future action in saving the tiger as a species ”.
MORAL OBLIGATION TO ACT
Perhaps the most moving part of Tengku Hassanal ’ s address came when he spoke from the heart , expressing his connection to the Malayan tiger .
“ The Malayan tiger is the closest to my heart , as the heavy responsibility of this endemic species to the Malay peninsula rests greatly on the shoulders of Malaysians , mine included .”
His emotional appeal made it clear that failure was not an option .
Tengku Hassanal also took the opportunity to reflect on the broader impact of tiger conservation , noting that the ripple effects of saving this species extend far beyond Malaysia ’ s borders .
Protecting the Malayan tiger is part of a more significant global battle to conserve wildlife and biodiversity in an era when species are disappearing at an alarming rate .
“ I plan to be exceptionally more active in my role as an active advocate of not only the Malayan tiger but all tigers , if possible .”
FUTURE BUILT ON COLLABORATION
Tengku Hassanal concluded with a powerful message of hope and determination . While he acknowledged that progress may take time , he left no doubt that the future of tiger conservation was a shared responsibility .
“ I desire that this summit will also bring in more partners with the same goals , values , and ethos , working and strategically moving together towards the common objective of saving the magnificent and endangered tiger .”
The Summit stood as a pivotal moment in Malaysia ’ s conservation history , and Tengku Hassanal ’ s unwavering commitment to the cause offered a beacon of hope .
“ We will start small , as in many other great endeavours , but we can and will grow into a force ,” he promised .
The message from Tengku Hassanal was clear : time was running out , and the stakes could not be higher . The Malayan tiger ’ s survival depended on our collective will to act , innovate , and protect .
In a world where biodiversity is under constant threat , the Summit offered a glimmer of hope , proving that with collaboration and commitment , even the most endangered species can have a fighting chance at survival . – @ greenXtra
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