KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 14 — The use of Internet of Things technology and artificial intelligence through motion detection devices is recommended for use in wildlife roadkill hotspots, where night collisions have killed six critically endangered Malayan tigers in two years, said Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.
He said the proposal was made by Public Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi at the National Tiger Conservation Task Force Meeting (MyTTF) yesterday, which was also attended by representatives of the tiger-range states of Kedah, Perak, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Johor, Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan.
“This technology is seen to have cost-savings efficiency compared to the construction of perpetual streetlights because the device is able to signal through flashing lights to alert drivers on precautionary measures. The Works Ministry said it is ready to support the implementation of the study to see the suitability of this initiative,” he said in a statement today on human-wildlife conflicts.
“I have also suggested that the speed limit in roadkill hotspots be reviewed so that drivers slow down to avoid the risk of roadkill.”
Additionally, Nik Nazmi said it was also agreed at the meeting for Malaysia to become a member of the International Big Cat Alliance, led by the India, to strengthen strategic cooperation in the conservation of tigers (besides lions, leopards, puma, jaguars and cheetahs) and their habitats at the global level.
Also agreed upon was the implementation of the Malayan Tiger Crisis Action Plan 2021-2030 to stabilise the big cat population to 400 tigers by 2023.
In addition, Nik Nazmi said the MyTTF also took note of the implementation status of strategic actions for Malayan tiger conservation including the successful enforcement operations that saw the arrest of 506 Malaysians and 116 foreigners, as well as with a seizure value of over RM270 million in poaching violations.
The meeting also took note of the implementation status of the Malayan tiger habitat accreditation scheme, Conservation Assured Tiger Standards, which involves new registrations from Johor, Kelantan, Pahang, Perak and Terengganu.
Nik Nazmi also said he was informed of an increase in the number of Malayan tigers from 2021, which was under 150 then, but the actual number will be reported in 2025 after monitoring data has been analysed.
“The success achieved in Malayan tiger conservation (thus far) shows rescue efforts will bear fruit if federal and state governments and all parties agree with high commitment to deal with the Malayan tiger population crisis.
“I call for (conservation) efforts to continue to be enhanced to further strengthen the national agenda in ensuring the species, which is the symbol of our national coat of arms, does not go extinct," he added.
— Bernama
