Kuching – Illegal Wildlife Trade Combat: ‘Digital Vigilance & Corruption-Free Approach,’ reflects SFC determination to address the critical issues related to illegal wildlife trade and embrace the use of technology to protect our forests and wildlife.
In stating this, Yang Berhormat Datuk Hj Len said the challenges we face are multifaceted. Illegal wildlife trade continues to endanger our precious wildlife, and the digital age has ushered in new threats and opportunities. To tackle these challenges, the Sarawak Government has demonstrated its determination to be adaptive, technologically savvy, and resolute in combating corruption.
In the ongoing battle against illegal wildlife trade and corruption, Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) continues to make significant strides in its commitment to conservation and integrity.
SFC is actively fortifying its defenses against bribery, a crucial step in obtaining the Anti-Bribery Management System Certification. This initiative underscores the organization’s determination to maintain the highest ethical standards in its operations.
Since 2019, SFC has been investing in the training of wildlife rangers and park rangers at PULAPOL. A total of 90 individuals have undergone comprehensive training, with the latest batch of 30 completing their training in early November. The training curriculum encompasses both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, equipping rangers with the tools they need to effectively combat illegal wildlife activities.
These efforts exemplify SFC’s ongoing commitment to combating illegal wildlife trade, fostering integrity, and ensuring that its staff is equipped with the necessary skills and ethical principles to protect Sarawak’s unique biodiversity.
During the program, Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) launched the Sarawak Wild Life Enforcement Network (SarawakWEN) serves as a vital collaborative platform, uniting a diverse array of law enforcement agencies within Sarawak to safeguard its rich biodiversity. SarawakWEN underscores the urgency to stem the tide of illegal wildlife trafficking, with a laser focus on eradicating the illicit cross-border trade of at-risk species and plant life.
At its inception, SarawakWEN rallied the collective strength of 10 founding agencies, including the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the Royal Customs Department (Custom), the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (SPRM), and the Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit (UKPS), among others.
The launch of the SarawakWEN online portal marks a leap forward in bolstering the network’s efficacy. This digital leap enables:
– Enhanced Coordination: Streamlining collaborative efforts across agencies for a unified response.
– Real-Time Information Sharing: Offering instantaneous data exchange to keep all parties informed and vigilant.
– Centralized Information Retrieval: Creating a single repository for all wildlife enforcement data in Sarawak.
– Efficient Management of Shared Resources: Optimizing the use of information for strategic planning and operations.
– Effective Feedback Mechanisms: Facilitating swift communication loops for continuous improvement in enforcement strategies.
In harnessing technology, SarawakWEN exemplifies a proactive stance in conserving Sarawak’s environmental legacy, ensuring that its flora and fauna thrive for generations to come.
The event were graced by Yang Berhormat Datuk Haji Len Talif Salleh, Deputy Minister Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Sarawak. Also present was Hj Zolkipli Mohamad Aton, Chief Executive Officer of SFC, along with the senior management representatives of SFC and Head of Department from relevant agencies.