‘Awang Besol’ dies in rescue centre

PETALING JAYA: The Malayan tiger that was found roaming in a village in Dungun, Terengganu has died.
The Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) said the five-year-old tiger, nicknamed “Awang Besol”, died at about 5.30am today at the National Wildlife Rescue Centre (NWRC) in Sungkai, Perak.
This was despite the intensive efforts to treat and save the tiger.
It added that the tiger was infected by the Canine Temper Disorder virus, that could infect domesticated pets such as dogs or other wildlife, including tigers.
“If the disease infects a tiger, it will display behaviour of not being afraid of humans and the possibility of healing is very small,” Perhilitan said in a statement.
Perhilitan added that it did not rule out the possibility that the virus was spread by other wild animals around Kampung Besul Lama in Dungun, where it was found roaming.
The tiger, that was estimated to weigh about 130kg, was caught at about 3.30pm on Friday, after being shot with a tranquilliser dart.
Videos of the tiger roaming in the village were widely circulated last week.
Perhilitan said that to ensure the safety of the villagers there, it was monitoring the area and had placed tiger traps.
They also urged the public to contact them at 1-800-88-5151 if anyone came across other tigers.