EdgePoint and Pahang State Parks Corporation Deploy Satellite Connectivity to Protect Critically Endangered Malayan Tigers

EdgePoint Towers Sdn Bhd, part of EdgePoint Infrastructure, has successfully deployed its Connectivity for Conservation project at the Al-Sultan Abdullah Royal Tiger Reserve in Ulu Tembeling, Jerantut, Pahang. The initiative represents a pioneering collaboration between technology and conservation sectors, implemented in partnership with the Pahang State Parks Corporation and The Habitat Foundation.

The project utilizes Low Earth Orbit satellite technology to connect manned guard posts and camp sites in remote, dense rainforest terrain. This connectivity enables real-time coordination and communication for rangers and research staff, supporting critical functions including incident reporting, navigation, and location tagging for emergency communication protocols. The system addresses operational challenges posed by difficult terrain and unpredictable weather conditions that have historically hampered conservation efforts.

Muniff Kamaruddin, Chief Executive Officer of EdgePoint Towers, emphasized the project's alignment with the company's Environmental, Social and Governance commitments. Protecting biodiversity represents a crucial component of sustainable development, and by leveraging expertise in connectivity and infrastructure, EdgePoint aims to strengthen monitoring and protection of Malaysia's endangered tigers. The integration of off-grid solar and battery systems ensures optimal equipment performance with minimal on-site intervention, addressing constraints such as limited fuel supply and power access in remote locations.

The technological enhancements are particularly significant given the critical status of the Malayan tiger population. Encik Zainal Abidin bin Othman, CEO of PTNP, noted that only an estimated 150 Malayan tigers remain in the wild in Malaysia, classifying the species as critically endangered. This alarming scarcity underscores the urgent need for innovative, technology-driven approaches to species protection. The enhanced connectivity represents a substantial improvement over previous dependence on satellite phones alone, serving as a risk mitigation strategy alongside traditional patrolling and monitoring methods.

The improved communication infrastructure enhances safety for patrollers while strengthening overall park management capabilities. Justine Vaz, Executive Director from The Habitat Foundation, highlighted the collaborative nature of the initiative, demonstrating the synergistic potential of partnerships between corporations, government agencies, and NGOs in addressing complex conservation challenges. The enhanced connectivity facilitates improved coordination and data sharing among conservation stakeholders operating in remote landscapes, reinforcing enforcement coordination and strengthening protection efforts.

The Connectivity for Conservation project demonstrates how digital infrastructure and connectivity can serve as powerful tools in safeguarding Malaysia's rich natural heritage. By providing reliable access to critical data in real time, the technology enables faster response to tiger sightings and anti-poaching efforts. The initiative also showcases how technology-driven insights can shape more effective, data-informed wildlife protection policies. Conservation stakeholders anticipate that the results and insights generated through this program will inform future policy decisions within the reserve and the broader conservation community, contributing to population recovery efforts for this iconic Malaysian species. For more information about EdgePoint's infrastructure initiatives, visit https://edgepointinfra.com/.