In a statement, Syerleena said the project, which would span an area equivalent to 145 football fields, could push the Malayan tigers still in the wild – fewer than 150 – to extinction.

“Are we prepared to sacrifice our natural heritage and the very identity embodied by the Malayan tiger for short-term economic gains?

“The proposed mining activities not only threaten the survival of this iconic species but also pose significant risks to the delicate ecosystems that sustain countless other forms of life,” she said.

Syerleena cited the Grasberg mine in Papua, Indonesia, saying its environmental impact “serves as a stark reminder of the long-term costs associated with prioritising industrial exploitation over environmental stewardship”.

She urged the government to explore sustainable alternatives and implement strict environmental safeguards to ensure that economic development does not come at the expense of Malaysia’s natural treasures.

A Malaysiakini report this morning cited the project’s environmental impact assessment report, which said multiple endangered wildlife had been spotted at the proposed site.

According to the report, camera traps were set up for two months in five locations, and surveys in the proposed 74.56ha mining site caught the presence of Malayan tigers, Sumatran serows, sambar deer, siamang, and Malayan tapirs.

“The presence of wild boars and deer at the proposed project site is also of concern given the importance of these areas for the conservation of wildlife, as both species serve as food sources for large predators, such as tigers,” the report said.

The proposed mine will be operated by SAH Global Sdn Bhd, while the mining contractor is Syabas Deras Sdn Bhd.

The mining lease held by Gugusan Timur Sdn Bhd was approved by the Kelantan land and minerals office on March 29, 2019, but expired on March 25, 2024. Its renewal is under review.