BERNAMApic
IPOH: The Wildlife Crime Bureau under the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) will focus not just on fighting wildlife smuggling activities but also on protecting the country's natural treasures.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain (pic) said the Khazanah Integrated Operations implemented by the bureau also covers the theft of natural resources and minerals.
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"This bureau is not only dedicated to tackling wildlife poaching syndicates such as those (preying on) Malayan tigers. It will also prioritise the illegal extraction of rare earth elements, logging and gold mining and other activities that endanger our natural resources.
"Environmental crimes need attention, and we hope to raise awareness that these crimes will have a detrimental impact if not addressed immediately,” he told a press conference here on Saturday (Oct 7).
Razarudin had earlier officiated the establishment of the Wildlife Crime Bureau/Special Investigation Intelligence unit under Bukit Aman's Internal Security and Public Order Department at the Ulu Kinta General Operations Force Training Centre here.
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He said the unit comprised 78 officers and personnel who would utilise police expertise in helping related government agencies address these crimes.
"For now, the strength of this bureau is sufficient because... we have support from the 69 Commando, Special Action Unit and Senoi Praaq members," he added.
Razarudin also said the Malayan tiger continues to be threatened with extinction due to illegal hunting, and efforts to preserve their habitat would help restore the balance of the ecosystem.
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"The high demand for nearly every part of the Malayan tiger has caused the market value of this endangered species to reach RM259,000 per head.
"According to Perhilitan (the Wildlife and National Parks Department), a total of 71 cases of illegal hunting of Malayan tigers were recorded from 2021 to 2022,” he said.
"We believe that this strong partnership (with Perhilitan and related agencies) can be continued in protecting and conserving our national treasures,” he said.
Also present were Bukit Aman director of Internal Security and Public Order Datuk Hazani Ghazali and Perhilitan director Datuk Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim. – Bernama
