IPOH: The Perak Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) has confirmed the discovery of Malayan tiger footprints at a farm near Jalan Air Betang–Jalan Kampung Air Panas in Gerik on Oct 14.
Its director, Dr Pazil Abdul Patah, said Gerik district personnel found the footprints during an inspection.
"Initial field investigations indicate that the report is credible, as Malayan tiger footprints were indeed found. The orchard is estimated to be about 2km from the Bintang Hijau Forest Reserve," he said in a statement to Bernama today.
Images of the footprints, believed to belong to a Malayan tiger (Panthera tigris jacksoni), went viral on social media on Oct 14, raising concerns among residents.
Pazil said Perhilitan was conducting regular inspections and monitoring in the area while gathering information from residents and farmers.
He advised residents to remain vigilant, avoid going out alone in the early morning, late evening or at night, and keep livestock in secure enclosures.
"The public is also advised not to provoke, approach or attempt to track the animal. Any new sightings should be reported immediately to the department through its official complaint channels," he said. – BERNAMA
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