LANGKAWI, 10 DECEMBER 2011 – The official mascot for MASkargo „Tompok‟ was unveiled at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2011.

‘Tompok’ is from a species known as the Clouded Leopard (Neofelis Nebulosa) or locally referred to as ‘Harimau Dahan’ and is an elusive animal which can be found throughout the jungles of Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Indo-China and Myanmmar.

During the event, Mr. Areffin Ismail, the Ag. Manager of Corporate Communications said: “Using the Clouded Leopard as our mascot helps in the propagation of the importance of the preservation of its natural habitat.”

The animal is protected in Malaysia under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red Data and is listed as ‘vulnerable’ which makes its existence all the more valuable.

Areffin elaborates: “The children practically rushed towards Tompok as it came out to meet and greet the kids. I think the children were definitely happy to see Tompok in the midst of all the airshows.” Besides being entertained by Tompok with goodies and having their photos taken, the children also participated in a colouring contest of Tompok.

LIMA ‘11 is the largest aerospace exhibition ever organised in the country attracted approximately 120,000 visitors between 6-10 December. The sizable crowd brought together 34,000 trade visitors and 75,000 members of the public.