SHAH ALAM: Increasing the number of community rangers is a necessity and crucial in curbing illegal encroachment, which subsequently poses a threat to forests and wildlife.
Minister of Natural Resources, Environment, and Climate Change, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, said that so far, 1,500 rangers have been appointed to enhance enforcement in permanent forest reserve areas, including in Sabah and Sarawak.
He added that a significant number of them involve Orang Asli, as well as veterans from the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM), Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), and local communities.
"We are aware that the pressure on our forests and animals is very high, with (increasing) conflicts (of forest encroachment). In our efforts to stop this, we need to increase the number of rangers.
"Actually, this is hitting two birds with one stone... we believe that these veterans (ATM and PDRM) have the expertise to enter the forest, so we take the approach of giving them jobs (as rangers) to earn a living," he said to reporters after inaugurating the Forest Connectivity and Biodiversity Conservation Conference at Setia City Convention Center (SCCC), Setia Alam, today.
Last month, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, while presenting the 2024 Budget, announced that the government, through the allocation under the ministry responsible for environmental matters, is expected to appoint 2,000 rangers, including from among the indigenous people, as well as veterans from ATM and PDRM, and local communities.
Anwar stated that the role of rangers has been successful in combating encroachment, logging, illegal mining, and the killing of wildlife.
Commenting further, Nik Nazmi said that the new participation of community rangers has received positive feedback so far.
"Most of these rangers now consist of Orang Asli, more than 600 people, proving how we recognise the role of indigenous people in preserving the forest because they have traditional knowledge and experience in environmental and forest conservation.
"They are actually on the front lines when conflicts between wild animals and humans occur, including illegal hunting," he said.
Meanwhile, he mentioned that his ministry will focus on the issue of energy transition at the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai later this month.
"As a country ready for energy transition in this region, Malaysia will showcase the National Energy Transition Plan (NETR) and the Hydrogen Economy and Technology Roadmap (HETR).
"In addition, we will discuss issues related to the losses suffered by developing countries, including small island nations, due to natural disasters," he said.