Learn from others in handling wildlife
NST, 25 Oct 2002

Oct 25:  I CAME across the news “RM600,000 allocated to tackle tiger threat” and another item on tigers captured and having to be placed in small cages at Zoo Melaka.
 

I am obviously saddened by the fact that we think wild native animals are a threat when we never give a second thought that it is us who are threatening their habitat through massive planting and other developments, all in the name of progress. Only when they are extinct or at the point of extinction will there be "concerned" voices to save the tigers for the future generation. Then, it will be too little too late.

I am truly sorry for the families who have lost their loved ones to tiger attacks. Nevertheless, measures can be taken to ensure we can live in harmony with them. Allocating RM600,000 for the tiger threat is frankly a pathetic measure to overcome the problem.

In Australia, there is a governing body that inspects an area of any existing native plants or animals before any development is done. Then, if a development is to go ahead, measures will be taken to remove these animals and plants to safer locations. In short, they will be given new homes, away from humans.

I suggest our Government look at what other countries are doing and learn from that.

ESMALINA ISMAIL Harman, Australia

 


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