KUCHING: The General Operations Force (GOF) and Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) are stepping up efforts to dismantle wildlife smuggling networks by targeting both offenders and their illicit profits.
The strategic cooperation was strengthened through a briefing on wildlife and protected-area enforcement, with a focus on the use of provisions under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLA).
The briefing was held on Wednesday (Sept 9) at the Sarawak GOF Brigade Senior Officers’ Mess here and conducted by SFC Head of Sarawak Wildlife and Protected Areas Enforcement Section Mohammad Norazlan Jamil, and Head of Kuching Division’s Section David Mohamad.
The session highlighted the need for a broader enforcement strategy to tackle wildlife and natural resource crimes, with authorities urged to target not just the offences, but the profits behind them.
AMLA provisions offer a powerful tool to follow the money trail, helping authorities trace illicit funds and identify individuals and networks profiting from wildlife smuggling and illegal trade.
The approach goes beyond those directly involved in the offences, potentially helping enforcement agencies uncover wider networks and other parties linked to the illicit activities.
Also present at the briefing were Sarawak GOF Brigade Commander SAC Datuk Lim Bak Phai, Deputy Brigade Commander ACP Rusdi Inai, senior officers from the Sarawak GOF Brigade headquarters and personnel from various units.
The strengthened cooperation between the GOF and SFC is aimed at improving the sharing of intelligence, information and expertise to enhance enforcement against activities threatening Sarawak’s natural heritage.
It also paves the way for more effective joint operations, particularly in disrupting smuggling networks and curbing illegal trade that could undermine the sustainability of the state’s wildlife and natural resources.
Both agencies remain committed to strengthening their enforcement capabilities and cooperation to ensure Sarawak’s natural treasures are protected from exploitation by irresponsible parties.
