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Joint Press Release: Global Tiger Day 2025 - Malaysians unite for Wildlife Protection this Global Tiger Day
Stride for Stripes, Stand for Coexistence:
Malaysians unite for Wildlife Protection this Global Tiger Day
WWF-Malaysia and Maybank host 1,000 runners at conservation-themed run, underscores the urgent need for tiger and wildlife conservation
In conjunction with Global Tiger Day 2025, WWF-Malaysia in partnership with Maybank had hosted the much-anticipated ‘Run For Tigers’ at Padang Semarak, Putrajaya Wetlands Park last Saturday, 26 July 2025. Open to 1,000 participants, the 3.5km fun run was designed to raise awareness about human-wildlife conflict and the need for coexistence - a timely and urgent theme for this year’s event.
This year’s theme, “Stride for Stripes, Stand for Coexistence,” carries a powerful message. As threats to Malaysia’s wildlife intensify, now is the time for individuals, communities and organisations to unite with purpose and lend our voice to a cause that truly matters. Protecting tigers means protecting our forests, our biodiversity, and the delicate balance of our entire ecosystem.
Participants engaged in a morning of conservation-themed activities including the “Spot the Wildlife” challenge, along the run route, where runners used their phones to snap photos of wildlife models, for which they can redeem tokens at the tiger booth. The popular “Best Dressed” contest returned with the runners getting creative with their costumes inspired by wildlife species found in Royal Belum. There was also face painting and other fun activities for all ages, making it a meaningful and enjoyable experience for the whole family. The tiger conservation team and ranger representatives were present at the tiger booth to share about tiger conservation work on the ground.
The event was graced by the presence of YBhg. Datuk Dr. Ching Thoo A/L Kim, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES), whose attendance underscores the government’s strong commitment to wildlife protection and inter-agency collaboration in safeguarding Malaysia’s natural heritage.
“Effective conservation is only possible through strong collaboration. ‘Run For Tigers’ reflects how the Government, partners and the public at large can unite to protect our wildlife and secure a future where people and nature thrive together,” he said.
“This is more than just a run. It’s a movement. With fewer than 150 Malayan tigers left in the wild, we must all come together to protect not only this iconic species, but also the many others that share its forest home,” said WWF-Malaysia Chairman, Tan Sri Abdul Wahid Omar. “By protecting the tiger, we also protect other wildlife such as the elephant, tapir, clouded leopard, and sun bear and more - because harmony with nature brings hope not just for tigers, but for entire ecosystems.”
Chairman of Maybank Group and Maybank Foundation, Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Ir. Zamzamzairani Mohd Isa, said: “Our partnership with WWF-Malaysia reflects Maybank’s ongoing commitment to biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability. We see sustainability not as a standalone endeavour but one that requires support from various stakeholders, be it partners or individuals, in order to drive real action. Supporting initiatives like ‘Run For Tigers’ helps us connect with the public and inspire behavioural change.”
Also present at the event were Ms. Sophia Lim, Chief Executive Officer of WWF-Malaysia, and Mrs. Izlyn Ramli, Head of Group Corporate Affairs Maybank and Chief Executive Officer of Maybank Foundation. Their presence reflects the strong leadership commitment from both organisations in driving conservation impact, fostering public engagement, and sustaining long-term partnerships to protect Malaysia’s natural heritage.
Over the years, WWF-Malaysia and Maybank have made significant strides in tiger conservation. In Belum-Temengor, one of the last strongholds for the Malayan tiger, intensified anti-poaching efforts since 2016 have led to a 98% reduction in active snares. Tiger cub sightings in the wild offer a rare but real sign of hope. Policy support has also grown stronger, with joint advocacy contributing to amendments in the Wildlife Conservation Act to increase penalties for poaching and trafficking. Institutional progress has included the formation of the National Tiger Conservation Task Force (MyTTF), the Wildlife Crime Bureau, and in 2023, the accreditation of Royal Belum State Park under the Conservation Assured | Tiger Standards (CA|TS) — a first in Southeast Asia. These milestones reflect a shared, long-term commitment to protecting wildlife, forests, and the communities who depend on them.
Collaboration remains critical. WWF-Malaysia continues to work closely with agencies including the Peninsular and Perak Forestry Departments, Perak State Parks Corporation and PERHILITAN and like-minded NGOs including RIMAU, PELINDUNG, WCS Malaysia, Panthera Malaysia, TRAFFIC, Justice for Wildlife, and others – who collectively represent a shared passion to safeguard Malaysia’s wildlife and their habitats.
Roadkill incidents have tragically claimed the lives of several critically endangered Malayan tigers in recent years. These threats underscore the urgent need to ensure safer environments for wildlife, including proper wildlife crossings and forest connectivity. The tragic image of a mother elephant mourning her calf, hit on Mother’s Day earlier this year, stirred hearts across the country. It served as a stark reminder that we must reimagine our relationship with nature and protect shared habitats. The forest is not just ours - it belongs to all who call it home.
The future of the Malayan tiger depends on all of us. Protecting one species means safeguarding entire ecosystems and the many lives they support. Whether it’s slowing down at wildlife crossings, reporting illegal activities, volunteering, or staying informed — every action counts. Together, we can protect what’s left. And restore what has been lost.
To learn more about how you can help save our majestic Malayan tiger, visit wwf.org.my/tiger
This year’s theme, “Stride for Stripes, Stand for Coexistence,” carries a powerful message. As threats to Malaysia’s wildlife intensify, now is the time for individuals, communities and organisations to unite with purpose and lend our voice to a cause that truly matters. Protecting tigers means protecting our forests, our biodiversity, and the delicate balance of our entire ecosystem.
Participants engaged in a morning of conservation-themed activities including the “Spot the Wildlife” challenge, along the run route, where runners used their phones to snap photos of wildlife models, for which they can redeem tokens at the tiger booth. The popular “Best Dressed” contest returned with the runners getting creative with their costumes inspired by wildlife species found in Royal Belum. There was also face painting and other fun activities for all ages, making it a meaningful and enjoyable experience for the whole family. The tiger conservation team and ranger representatives were present at the tiger booth to share about tiger conservation work on the ground.
The event was graced by the presence of YBhg. Datuk Dr. Ching Thoo A/L Kim, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES), whose attendance underscores the government’s strong commitment to wildlife protection and inter-agency collaboration in safeguarding Malaysia’s natural heritage.
“Effective conservation is only possible through strong collaboration. ‘Run For Tigers’ reflects how the Government, partners and the public at large can unite to protect our wildlife and secure a future where people and nature thrive together,” he said.
“This is more than just a run. It’s a movement. With fewer than 150 Malayan tigers left in the wild, we must all come together to protect not only this iconic species, but also the many others that share its forest home,” said WWF-Malaysia Chairman, Tan Sri Abdul Wahid Omar. “By protecting the tiger, we also protect other wildlife such as the elephant, tapir, clouded leopard, and sun bear and more - because harmony with nature brings hope not just for tigers, but for entire ecosystems.”
Chairman of Maybank Group and Maybank Foundation, Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Ir. Zamzamzairani Mohd Isa, said: “Our partnership with WWF-Malaysia reflects Maybank’s ongoing commitment to biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability. We see sustainability not as a standalone endeavour but one that requires support from various stakeholders, be it partners or individuals, in order to drive real action. Supporting initiatives like ‘Run For Tigers’ helps us connect with the public and inspire behavioural change.”
Also present at the event were Ms. Sophia Lim, Chief Executive Officer of WWF-Malaysia, and Mrs. Izlyn Ramli, Head of Group Corporate Affairs Maybank and Chief Executive Officer of Maybank Foundation. Their presence reflects the strong leadership commitment from both organisations in driving conservation impact, fostering public engagement, and sustaining long-term partnerships to protect Malaysia’s natural heritage.
Over the years, WWF-Malaysia and Maybank have made significant strides in tiger conservation. In Belum-Temengor, one of the last strongholds for the Malayan tiger, intensified anti-poaching efforts since 2016 have led to a 98% reduction in active snares. Tiger cub sightings in the wild offer a rare but real sign of hope. Policy support has also grown stronger, with joint advocacy contributing to amendments in the Wildlife Conservation Act to increase penalties for poaching and trafficking. Institutional progress has included the formation of the National Tiger Conservation Task Force (MyTTF), the Wildlife Crime Bureau, and in 2023, the accreditation of Royal Belum State Park under the Conservation Assured | Tiger Standards (CA|TS) — a first in Southeast Asia. These milestones reflect a shared, long-term commitment to protecting wildlife, forests, and the communities who depend on them.
Collaboration remains critical. WWF-Malaysia continues to work closely with agencies including the Peninsular and Perak Forestry Departments, Perak State Parks Corporation and PERHILITAN and like-minded NGOs including RIMAU, PELINDUNG, WCS Malaysia, Panthera Malaysia, TRAFFIC, Justice for Wildlife, and others – who collectively represent a shared passion to safeguard Malaysia’s wildlife and their habitats.
Roadkill incidents have tragically claimed the lives of several critically endangered Malayan tigers in recent years. These threats underscore the urgent need to ensure safer environments for wildlife, including proper wildlife crossings and forest connectivity. The tragic image of a mother elephant mourning her calf, hit on Mother’s Day earlier this year, stirred hearts across the country. It served as a stark reminder that we must reimagine our relationship with nature and protect shared habitats. The forest is not just ours - it belongs to all who call it home.
The future of the Malayan tiger depends on all of us. Protecting one species means safeguarding entire ecosystems and the many lives they support. Whether it’s slowing down at wildlife crossings, reporting illegal activities, volunteering, or staying informed — every action counts. Together, we can protect what’s left. And restore what has been lost.
To learn more about how you can help save our majestic Malayan tiger, visit wwf.org.my/tiger
Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Ir. Zamzamzairani Mohd Isa, Chairman of Maybank Group and Maybank Foundation, and Tan Sri Abdul Wahid Omar, Chairman of WWF-Malaysia, with the winner of the ‘Best Dressed’ Contest. © Rahana Husin / WWF-Malaysia
En. Shahril Azuar Jimin, Group Chief Sustainability Officer, Maybank; Datuk R. Karunakaran, Member of Maybank Foundation Board of Trustees; Tan Sri Abdul Wahid Omar, Chairman of WWF-Malaysia; Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Ir. Zamzamzairani Mohd Isa, Chairman of Maybank Group and Maybank Foundation; Miss Izlyn Ramli, Head, Group Corporate Affairs Maybank and CEO, Maybank Foundation; with WWF-Malaysia staff. © Rahana Husin / WWF-Malaysia
Participants at the starting line, ready to run. © Rahana Husin / WWF-Malaysia
Datuk Dr. Ching Thoo A/L Kim, Secretary‑General of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES); Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Ir. Zamzamzairani Mohd Isa, Chairman of Maybank Group and Maybank Foundation; and Tan Sri Abdul Wahid Omar, Chairman of WWF-Malaysia, flagging off the Run For Tigers 2025. © Rahana Husin / WWF-Malaysia
Standing together to support Malayan tiger conservation with Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Ir. Zamzamzairani Mohd Isa, Chairman of Maybank Group and Maybank Foundation; Datuk Dr. Ching Thoo A/L Kim, Secretary‑General of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Environmental Sustainability (NRES); Tan Sri Abdul Wahid Omar, Chairman of WWF-Malaysia, Ms Sophia Lim, Executive Director / CEO of WWF-Malaysia, and Ms Izlyn Ramli, Head, Group Corporate Affairs Maybank and CEO of Maybank Foundation; with Maybank Board Members, Maybank Foundation Board of Trustees, WWF-Malaysia Trustees, as well as Maybank and WWF-Malaysia Senior Leadership Team © Rahana Husin / WWF-Malaysia
– ENDS –
About WWF-Malaysia
World Wide Fund for Nature Malaysia (WWF-Malaysia) was established in 1972 and is part of World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), the international conservation organisation. Working to sustain the natural world for the benefit of people and nature, WWF-Malaysia’s efforts to conserve nature focus on six major themes: forests, oceans, wildlife, food, climate and energy, as well as freshwater. Our mission is to stop the degradation of the earth’s natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature.
Find our latest news here:
https://www.wwf.org.my/media_and_information/media_centre_and_updates/
About Maybank
Maybank is among Asia's leading financial groups and Southeast Asia’s fourth largest bank by asset with close to 44,000 employees worldwide. The Group has an international network of some 2,600 offices in 18 countries including all 10 ASEAN countries and also present in international financial centres such as London, New York, Hong Kong and Dubai. With a purpose to Humanise Financial Services and guided by its M25+ strategy, Maybank provides any array of value-based solutions established on sustainable and ethical principles to meet its customers evolving needs. These extensive range of products and services, include consumer and corporate banking, investment banking, Islamic banking, stock broking, insurance and takaful and asset management. (www.maybank.com)
About WWF-Malaysia
World Wide Fund for Nature Malaysia (WWF-Malaysia) was established in 1972 and is part of World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), the international conservation organisation. Working to sustain the natural world for the benefit of people and nature, WWF-Malaysia’s efforts to conserve nature focus on six major themes: forests, oceans, wildlife, food, climate and energy, as well as freshwater. Our mission is to stop the degradation of the earth’s natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature.
Find our latest news here:
https://www.wwf.org.my/media_and_information/media_centre_and_updates/
About Maybank
Maybank is among Asia's leading financial groups and Southeast Asia’s fourth largest bank by asset with close to 44,000 employees worldwide. The Group has an international network of some 2,600 offices in 18 countries including all 10 ASEAN countries and also present in international financial centres such as London, New York, Hong Kong and Dubai. With a purpose to Humanise Financial Services and guided by its M25+ strategy, Maybank provides any array of value-based solutions established on sustainable and ethical principles to meet its customers evolving needs. These extensive range of products and services, include consumer and corporate banking, investment banking, Islamic banking, stock broking, insurance and takaful and asset management. (www.maybank.com)