BP3: 240 cases recorded, 460 criminals arrested

KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 240 cases were recorded under the 2019-2022 nationwide Biodiversity Conservation and Patrol Enforcement Actions (BP3).

Minister of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad (Picture) said a total of 460 criminals were arrested during the operations, including Malaysians as well as foreigners from Myanmar, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, China, Bangladesh, Sudan, Pakistan and Indonesia.

“Total seizures of all cases of more than RM112 million, in addition to a total of 1,875 snares, have been successfully destroyed,” he said at a news conference today following the presentation of the BP3 community rangers’ certificates of appointment.

He said the BP3 enforcement actions to tackle encroachment, illegal logging and wildlife hunting in the hotspot areas also involved the Wildlife Protection and National Parks Department (Perhilitan), Forestry Department, Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and other law enforcement agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGO).

He said among the hotspots are national and state parks, wildlife sanctuaries, permanent forest reserves and Ramsar sites.

A total of 120 community rangers were previously appointed, including military and police veterans, as well as Orang Asli and local community members.

“The appointment of rangers from these communities can further strengthen enforcement and create job opportunities for people, particularly among the Orang Asli, retired military and police officers and members of local communities.

“This noble effort is in line with Malaysia MADANI’s principles of creating a sustainable, respectful and prosperous Malaysia,” added Nik Nazmi.

During the presentation of the 2023 budget on February 24, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that the government will increase the number of forest rangers to 1,500 by prioritizing the services of the Orang Asli community and military and police veterans, including one Allocation of RM50 million. – Bernama