KUCHING, Feb 6: Sarawak now has 250 wildlife guardian rangers (WGR) to stand guard against any harm that might come to the State’s biodiversity.
The WGR is an initiative under the Federal government’s Biodiversity Protection and Patrolling Programme (BP3) and implemented by Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) at the state-level.
According to SFC in a statement today, its chief executive officer Abang Arabi Abang Aimran presented the certificate of appointment to the WGRs yesterday (Feb 5).
“In 2023 and continuing into 2024, SFC has recruited 99 army veterans and 151 local community members to serve as WGRs in various areas including Kuching, Sibu, Miri and Bintulu,” it said.
WGR is responsible in the enforcement of the Wildlife Ordinance 1998 and the National Parks and Nature Reserves Ordinance 1998, including related regulations for the protection and conservation of wildlife in Sarawak and Totally Protected Areas (TPAs).
Their duties encompass a range of activities including the surveillance and documentation of wildlife, patrolling areas particularly vulnerable to illegal activities, and establishing and maintaining signboards.
“Their primary focus will be on addressing issues such as unlawful hunting, the illegal wildlife trade, and unauthorised intrusion into protected zones.
“Additionally, they are responsible for the regular monitoring and maintenance of TPAs. Their tasks also include the upkeep of informational signage and demarcation markers in these regions.
“Moreover, they will implement SMART PATROL strategies to enhance their conservation efforts,” it added. — DayakDaily
