KUALA SELANGOR: A tapir believed to have drowned has been found at an oil palm plantation in flood-hit Block C, Ijok.
The incident was shared by Ijok state assemblyman Jefri Mejan in a Facebook post today.
Jefri said a friend, identified as Andong, had sent him photographs of the animal while harvesting oil palm fruit at his plantation.
“He was saddened not only by the tapir’s death, but also by the theft of the oil palm fruit he had worked to harvest.
“The floodwaters have yet to recede, wildlife has become a victim, and produce from the plantation is being stolen,” he said.
Jefri’s post also drew expressions of sympathy from social media users, with some highlighting the plight of wildlife affected by natural disasters.
He hoped a solution would be found soon to address the prolonged flooding in the area and prevent similar incidents.
“Tapirs also have the right to live,” he said.
The Malayan tapir, also known as tenuk or cipan, is an endangered species native to Southeast Asia. Recognisable by its distinctive black-and-white markings, it inhabits tropical forests and plays an important role in forest regeneration by dispersing seeds.
Its survival is threatened by habitat loss, forest fragmentation and road accidents. Malaysia is estimated to have only 700 to 800 Malayan tapirs remaining in their natural habitats, according to the Department of Wildlife and National Parks.