Animals
National Animal
The Malayan tiger“Humans are not the only animals that seeks freedom and space.”
A.D. Williams
Animals commonly seen in the wild
Marine fauna:
Sea turtles, dugongs, sharks, manta rays, barracudas.
Birds:
Babblers, hornbills, woodpeckers, starlings, kingfishers, serpent-eagles.
Land mammals:
Tigers, leopards, sun bears, mousedeer, tapirs, gibbons, macaques, wild pigs.
Snakes and insects:
King cobras, water monitors, monitor lizards, crocodiles, Malayan pit vipers, moths, beetles.
Common sights you will not like
In the city and on the road
Stray cats and dogs are quite a common sites in most cities around the country.
In theCountryside
Stray animals are also seen in the countryside. Water buffaloes are used for agriculture and transportation purposes. Elephants are commonly used for entertainment (i.e. elephant rides) in the country.
General animal welfare issues
There are water buffalo races, the most famous one is the Babulang Water buffalo racing festival.
Hunting or poaching:
Hunting is allowed. Common animals hunted are deer, macaques, porcupines, civets, wild boars, pythons and water monitors. Hunting saltwater crocodiles has been allowed in 2017. Species considered endangered such as tigers, elephants and orangutans are protected, but commonly poached.
Animal fights:
Animal fights are illegal. Cock fighting still does occur under the radar.
Sanctuaries to visit or volunteer:
Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary
We have not included the treatment of animals in the meat/fur/leather industries, zoos or circuses, animal testing as it unfortunately still happens in most countries.
