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A Decade for Tigers: Maybank and WWF-Malaysia Launch ‘Run for Tigers: The Long Run’

Marking 10 years of partnership, Malaysians are invited to join the 5KM and 10KM run on 2 August 2026 at Putrajaya Wetlands Park in support of tiger conservation efforts 
 

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – With fewer than 150 Malayan tigers estimated to remain in the wild, Malaysians are invited to come together for a nationwide movement to protect one of the country’s most iconic and critically endangered species. 
 

WWF-Malaysia and Maybank today announced the launch of ‘Run for Tigers: The Long Run’, a flagship event held in conjunction with Global Tiger Day 2026, marking a decade of partnership in tiger conservation. 
 

The event will take place on 2 August 2026 at Putrajaya Wetlands Park and will be graced by His Royal Highness, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, Sultan of Perak and a Patron of WWF-Malaysia. 
 

Registration opens on 15 May 2026 at wwf.org.my/globaltigerday, with part of the proceeds channelled towards ongoing tiger conservation efforts in Malaysia. 
 

Marking a Decade of Progress 

Over the past 10 years, the WWF-Malaysia–Maybank partnership has advanced on-the-ground tiger conservation in the Belum-Temengor Forest Complex through sustained funding, joint implementation, and multi-stakeholder collaboration. 
 

Since 2016, efforts have focused on strengthening protection, monitoring tiger populations and prey, and supporting local communities—particularly through the training and capacity building of Orang Asli rangers to enhance patrol effectiveness and wildlife protection.  
 

This long-term, integrated approach has contributed to tangible conservation gains while strengthening Malaysia’s stand on tiger conservation at both national and regional levels. 
 

Key milestones include: 

  • 240 active snares deactivated, contributing to over 90% reduction in snaring activity in Royal Belum, with zero active snares recorded since 2022 
  • 150 rangers deployed, up from 12 in 2015, including WWF-Malaysia’s first two Orang Asli women rangers 
  • Wild breeding recorded, with sighting of tigresses and cubs recorded in 2022 and 2025 
  • Royal Belum State Park recognised under the CA|TS (Conservation Assured | Tiger Standards) accreditation, becoming the first site in Malaysia and Southeast Asia to receive this global standard  
  • Stronger national protection frameworks, including the establishment of the National Tiger Task Force and Wildlife Crime Bureau 


‘The Long Run’: A symbolic journey of conservation 

‘The Long Run’ reflects the reality of tiger conservation − an enduring and collective effort that requires patience, persistence, and shared responsibility. It symbolises a long-term commitment alongside government agencies such as PERHILITAN and the Perak State Parks Corporation, as well as corporate partners, conservation practitioners, and local communities. 
 

Over the past decade, this shared commitment has translated into sustained investments in wildlife protection, monitoring, and community engagement which demonstrates how long-term collaboration and consistent action are essential to securing a future for the Malayan tiger. 
 

Sophia Lim, CEO and Executive Director of WWF-Malaysia, said: 

“This event serves as both a celebration of progress and a call to continue the journey to secure the future of the Malayan tiger. Over the past decade, our partnership with Maybank has been instrumental in advancing conservation efforts on the ground. We invite all Malaysians to be part of this journey—not just as participants, but as contributors to a national effort to protect our natural heritage.” 
 

Izlyn Ramli, Head of Group Corporate Affairs, Maybank and CEO of Maybank Foundation, added: 

“This year marks a meaningful milestone for Maybank as we celebrate a decade of collaboration with WWF‑Malaysia in protecting the Malayan tiger. Conservation is not a sprint. It requires perseverance, shared responsibility, and long-term commitment. ‘Run for Tigers: The Long Run’ reflects our belief that sustainable impact is built through consistency and collective action, and we invite Malaysians to be part of this enduring journey for one of our nation’s most iconic species” 
 

Each kilometre tells a story of conservation in action. 

Participants can choose between two race categories: 

  • 5KM Run – A community-friendly route open to all 
  • 10KM Run – A longer route for more seasoned runners 


Set within Putrajaya Wetlands Park, the route will feature checkpoints inspired by real conservation work on the ground. Participants will run past key milestone markers, learn how snares are detected and removed, and experience camera trap-style photo points used in wildlife monitoring which offers a practical glimpse into efforts to protect the Malayan tiger. 
 

Register now at wwf.org.my/globaltigerday 

– 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 group and Southeast Asia’s fourth largest bank by assets, with a significant global workforce and an extensive network spanning ASEAN and key international financial centres. Guided by its ROAR30 strategy, Maybank continues to Humanise Financial Services through values-based offerings that deliver exceptional customer experience, drive positive societal impact and power the real economy. The Group provides a comprehensive range of financial services across consumer and corporate banking, investment banking, Islamic banking, insurance and takaful, and asset management. (www.maybank.com

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