By: Zaki Salleh
SUNGKAI – His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, graced the National Wildlife Rescue Centre (NWRC) here with his presence.
Accompanying him were the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, and the Regent of Pahang, Crown Prince Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah.
Also in attendance were the Chief Minister of Perak, Dato’ Seri Saarani Mohamad, and the Minister of Natural Resources, Environment, and Climate Change, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.
During the visit, His Majesty received a briefing from officers of the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN) Peninsular Malaysia regarding the operations of NWRC.
Subsequently, he witnessed firsthand the wildlife conservation initiatives at the centre, including the Malayan tiger, sun bear, tapir, and gaur.
His Majesty also released a White-rumped Shama, symbolizing his inaugural visit, which had been confiscated earlier.
Through this visit, His Majesty demonstrated his concern for wildlife conservation in the country and is seen as strengthening efforts to preserve biodiversity, particularly endangered species like the Malayan tiger.
NWRC was established to meet the need for a rescue centre, serving as a temporary placement for wildlife seized under the International Trade in Endangered Species Act 2008 (Act 686).
Furthermore, NWRC houses rescued wildlife from injuries, trafficking, confiscation, wildlife-human conflicts, and surrenders in Peninsular Malaysia.
Currently, NWRC also focuses on ex-situ conservation activities for the Malayan tiger, such as rescue operations, rehabilitation, husbandry, disease treatment and control, ex-situ research, and breeding using state-of-the-art technology.
