IGP: Wildlife bureau to focus on protecting natural resources too

The Wildlife Crime Bureau, a division of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), is not only focused on combating wildlife smuggling but also on safeguarding the country’s natural resources, according to Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain. The bureau’s operations, known as Khazanah Integrated Operations, also encompass the theft of natural resources and minerals. Razarudin emphasized the importance of addressing environmental crimes, including the illegal extraction of rare earth elements, logging, gold mining, and other activities that pose a threat to natural resources.

During a press conference on October 7, Razarudin inaugurated the Wildlife Crime Bureau/Special Investigation Intelligence unit at the Ulu Kinta General Operations Force Training Centre. This unit, consisting of 78 officers and personnel, will collaborate with various government agencies to combat these crimes. Razarudin expressed gratitude for the support received from the 69 Commando, Special Action Unit, and Senoi Praaq members, stating that the bureau’s current strength is adequate.

In his remarks, Razarudin highlighted the ongoing threat to the Malayan tiger due to illegal hunting and stressed the importance of preserving their habitat to restore ecological balance. He cited Perhilitan’s records, which identified 71 instances of illegal hunting of Malayan tigers from 2021 to 2022, further illustrating the urgency of protecting this endangered species. Razarudin expressed optimism about the collaborative efforts between the Wildlife Crime Bureau, Perhilitan, and other relevant agencies in the endeavor to safeguard and conserve Malaysia’s natural treasures.

Also in attendance at the event were Datuk Hazani Ghazali, the director of Internal Security and Public Order at Bukit Aman, and Datuk Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim, the director of Perhilitan. – Bernama