Let's Save Our Tigers — "Rooaarrr!!!" 🐅

A story start with I was randomly shopping at Lotus's for some groceries when I heard a young volunteer calling from a booth.

"Hi Miss, would you like to play a game with us?"

I looked over and saw a WWF Malaysia booth. I thought, Why not?

The game was simple. There were four animals displayed: the orangutan, sea turtle, elephant, and our King of the Jungle—the Malayan tiger. We had to place a sticker on the animal we thought was at the greatest risk of disappearing in the next few years.

Without hesitation, I chose the orangutan.

The volunteer smiled and said, "Actually, it's our Malayan tiger."

I was shocked.

He explained that illegal poaching is still happening in our forests. Tigers are hunted for their body parts and skins, which can be sold for decent amount. WWF Malaysia works with Orang Asli communities to remove illegal animal traps, install camera traps, and monitor the forests to help protect the remaining tigers which currently less than 150 in a total.

Listening to him made me realize how critical the situation is.

Initially, I planned to make a one-time donation. However, the volunteer explained that long-term conservation depends on consistent monthly support. He also shared a heartbreaking reminder: Malaysia lost its last Sumatran rhinoceros in 2019. Once a species is gone, there is no bringing it back.

That really stayed with me.

So instead of making a one-time donation, I signed up to contribute monthly. I hope that one day, our future generations will still have the opportunity to hear Malaysia's mighty "Rooaarrr!!!" 🐅

I also hope our government continues to strengthen efforts to protect endangered wildlife alongside development, because once our forests disappear, so do the animals that call them home.

The volunteer told me I was the first person that day to sign up for a monthly donation. I was happy to help, but at the same time, I couldn't stop thinking that more Malaysians should know about how serious this issue has become.

I've donated to animal shelters and helped stray animals before, but this experience reminded me that our wildlife also needs our attention.

If each of us does a little, together we can make a big difference.

Let's help keep Malaysia's roar alive. ❤️🇲🇾🐅

The volunteer also shared that donors may receive invitations to exclusive conservation trips, special talks, and WWF events. I can't wait for the opportunity to experience them and learn more about protecting Malaysia's incredible wildlife! 🐅💚