Federal government allocates RM8.46 million for 225 community rangers in Sabah to bolster forest protection and combat illegal activities.
NABAWAN: The federal government has allocated RM8.46 million to appoint 225 Community Rangers in Sabah this year. This initiative aims to strengthen the protection of the nation’s natural heritage.
The funding is part of a larger RM80 million allocation under Budget 2026 for the Biodiversity Protection and Patrol programme (BP3). The national programme aims to appoint 2,500 Community Rangers across the country.
Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup emphasised the critical role of these rangers. He stated their knowledge of forest terrain helps authorities combat encroachment, illegal logging and poaching.
“If extraordinary measures are not taken now, Malaysia can lose its iconic species forever,” he said in a statement.
Authorities have detained 904 locals and 294 foreign nationals since the Integrated Khazanah Operation (OBK) was launched in 2019. The value of seized items during this period amounted to RM413.1 million.
A total of 2,838 animal snares were also destroyed to protect iconic species. These species include orangutans, Bornean banteng and pygmy elephants.
So far, 217 Community Rangers have been deployed at 18 patrol posts across strategic locations in Sabah. These locations include Keningau, Lahad Datu, Kinabatangan, Sandakan, Tawau, Tenom and Sipitang.
One notable innovation is the establishment of the SMART Analyst team. This team comprises female Community Rangers tasked with managing forest crime hotspot data comprehensively.
Arthur, who is also the Pensiangan MP and Sook assemblyman, announced additional allocations. These funds are for appointing 15 Community Rangers specifically for the Pagalungan and Pensiangan areas.
