KUALA LUMPUR: Bukit Aman’s Wildlife Crime Bureau’s planned expansion of its scope of operations shows the country is determined to protect its wildlife, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
According to the environmental advocate, the strategic manoeuvre has established a lofty standard for global environmental protection endeavours.
“The WCB’s journey is one of necessity. The team has grown from 50 personnel to a significant 75, reflecting the nation’s unwavering commitment to wildlife protection,” he said.
With its merger with the Special Intelligence Unit, the Wildlife Crime Bureau (WCB) will grapple with the complex web of environmental issues with more strength and intelligence, Lee pointed out.
“The age of digital innovation brings with it a double-edged sword. While it propels progress, it simultaneously offers cloak-and-dagger alleys for criminal activities.
“However, the WCB, standing steadfast in its mission, is tackling this challenge head-on. By partnering with online platform providers, the bureau is turning these digital arenas into fortresses of conservation,” he said.
While the role of technology in enhancing the bureau’s work is undeniable, Lee said the expansion is an opportune moment for WCB to highlight another crucial element in conservation – the human touch.
Lee said WCB could boost its data collection efforts by involving the public in observational tasks.
“Simple activities such as reporting unusual wildlife behaviour or suspected illegal operations can create a sense of collective vigilance, supplementing the bureau’s operations while fostering a culture of shared accountability.
“Educational institutions offer another powerful avenue for promoting conservation.
“Collaborations with schools and universities can equip students with a holistic understanding of environmental challenges.”
Lee added that with WCB’s expanding scope, it would be prudent to consider more strategic collaboration and partnerships.
“Partnering with international organisations involved in conservation can provide an opportunity for knowledge and resource sharing, boosting the bureau’s capacity to tackle environmental crimes.
“There’s also the untapped potential of citizen science programmes, which encourage the general public to participate in scientific research related to the environment.
“Such initiatives can increase public involvement in conservation while providing valuable data to support the bureau’s operations,” he said.
The Star recently highlighted WCB’s planned expansion to protect national treasures and heritage sites as well.
Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department director Comm Datuk Seri Hazani Ghazali had said he hoped the expansion would occur within the year.
