Sultan Nazrin graces Run For Tigers: The Long Run Programme
PUTRAJAYA: The Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah today graced the Run For Tigers: The Long Run programme in conjunction with the World Tiger Day 2026 celebration, at Padang Semarak, Taman Wetland, here.
Also in attendance was the Raja Permaisuri of Perak, Tuanku Zara Salim.
Their arrival at 7 am was welcomed by the Secretary‑General of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, Datuk Anis Rizana Mohd Zainudin; Chairman of WWF‑Malaysia, Tan Sri Abdul Wahid Omar; and Chairman of Maybank, Tan Sri Zamzamzairani Mohd Isa.
His Royal Highness, who is also the patron of WWF‑Malaysia, graciously flagged off the participants for the 10‑kilometre (km) and 5‑km run events before taking a leisure walk and visiting the conservation booths and activity areas at the field.
More than 4,000 participants, including the Raja Kecil Besar of Perak, Raja Azlan Muzaffar Shah, as well as foreign participants, took part in the programme, making it one of the largest World Tiger Day celebrations in the country.
The run programme is the main event in conjunction with World Tiger Day, organised by WWF‑Malaysia and Maybank, thus celebrating a decade of collaboration in protecting one of the country’s most iconic species, which is currently at a critically endangered level, namely the Malayan Tiger.
In addition to the 5‑km and 10‑km run events, the programme also featured various conservation‑themed activities, interactive exhibitions and family‑friendly activities aimed at raising public awareness and support for efforts to protect the Malayan Tiger and its forest habitats.
Themed “The Long Run”, this event reflects long‑term conservation efforts that require perseverance, cooperation and continuous commitment.
The event also commemorates the 10th anniversary of the collaboration between WWF‑Malaysia and Maybank in supporting protection, monitoring, community engagement and public awareness efforts regarding the Belum‑Temengor Forest Complex.
Meanwhile, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of WWF‑Malaysia, Sophia Lim, said that although the Malayan Tiger still faces major challenges, the early signs of recovery currently seen prove that conservation efforts carried out consistently can bring about positive change.
“Run for Tigers gives us the opportunity to appreciate the collective efforts of rangers, Orang Asli communities, government agencies, partners and supporters who have ensured that hope for the survival of this iconic species continues to live on,” she said.
Celebrated on 29 July every year, World Tiger Day is a global initiative aimed at raising awareness about the importance of tiger conservation, and this year’s event, themed “Roar for the Future”, is strongly supported by various sectors to save the Malayan Tiger.
BERNAMA