Capital

Kuala Lumpur

Official Language

Malay

Fun Fact

Taman Negara National Park on the peninsula features a virgin rainforest that is estimated to be over 130 million years old

National Animal

Malayan Tiger

National Bird

Rhinoceros Hornbill

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Animal Laws of Malaysia

The Animal Laws of Malaysia PDF contains the general animal protection laws and related statutes for Malaysia. Uncaged World updates these bi-annually. Always check official sources for the most up-to-date legal status.

Animals of Malaysia

Rhinoceros Hornbill

Conservation Status: Near Threatened

The Rhinoceros Hornbill is a large, colorful bird found in the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, especially on the island of Borneo. It is recognized by its enormous yellow and orange casque that curves upward from its bill. Feeding mainly on fruit, along with insects and small animals, it plays a vital role in dispersing seeds throughout the forest. Habitat loss and hunting have caused declines in many wild populations.

Malayan Tiger

Conservation Status: Critically Endangered

The Malayan Tiger is a critically endangered tiger subspecies found only in the tropical forests of Peninsular Malaysia. Recognized by its rich orange coat with narrow black stripes, it is a solitary predator that hunts deer, wild boar, and other mammals. As an apex predator, the Malayan Tiger plays a vital role in maintaining healthy forest ecosystems. Habitat loss, poaching, and declining prey populations have reduced its numbers to fewer than 150 individuals in the wild.

Bornean Orangutan

Conservation Status: Endangered

The Bornean Orangutan is a great ape found only in the rainforests of the island of Borneo. Recognized by its long reddish-brown hair and remarkable intelligence, it spends most of its life in the treetops, feeding on fruits, leaves, bark, and insects. Bornean Orangutans play a vital role in dispersing seeds and maintaining healthy forests. Habitat loss, illegal wildlife trade, and deforestation have made the species critically endangered.

Siamang

Conservation Status: Endangered

The Siamang is the largest species of gibbon, found in the tropical rainforests of Malaysia, Thailand, and the island of Sumatra. Recognized by its shaggy black fur and large inflatable throat sac, it produces loud, haunting calls that can be heard for miles through the forest. Siamangs feed mainly on fruits, leaves, and flowers and spend nearly their entire lives swinging through the forest canopy. Habitat loss has made this remarkable ape endangered.

Malayan Tapir

Conservation Status: Endangered

The Malayan Tapir is the largest tapir species, found in the tropical forests of Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, and Indonesia. It is recognized by its striking black-and-white coloration and short, flexible trunk, which it uses to gather leaves, fruits, and aquatic plants. Mostly active at night, the Malayan Tapir is an excellent swimmer and often cools off in rivers and ponds. Habitat loss and road collisions have made this unique mammal endangered.

Rajah Brooke's Birdwing

Conservation Status: Least Concern

The Rajah Brooke's Birdwing is one of the world's most spectacular butterflies, found in the tropical rainforests of Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. Males are recognized by their striking black wings marked with brilliant emerald-green bands, while females are larger and more subdued in color. Adults feed on flower nectar, and the caterpillars develop on pipevine plants. Its vivid colors and graceful flight have made it one of Asia's most admired butterflies.