KUCHING: The call to strengthen forest enforcement to safeguard Malaysia’s natural heritage took centre stage as director of Forests Sarawak, Datuk Hamden Mohammad, highlighted the importance of stronger protection efforts.
The seminar gathered government agencies, private sector representatives, academics and enforcement personnel to address emerging threats to forest protection and national ecological security.
“Every patrol step, every investigation file, and every enforcement action is a significant contribution to the survival of our planet and country,” said Hamden.
He said this during his opening address at the Forest Protection and Enforcement Awareness Seminar 2025 here on Thursday.
“Forests play vital roles in climate regulation, water security, biodiversity conservation, economic sustainability and national identity, making strong enforcement a national obligation rather than an option.”
He reminded participants that forest officers remain the first line of defence against illegal logging, wildlife poaching, trespassing and other environmental crimes that threaten Malaysia’s long-term ecological stability.
He said that enforcement challenges include vast operational areas, rugged terrain, safety risks, and increasingly sophisticated syndicates using forged documents, cross-border networks and advanced technology.
He said changing global trends require enforcement strategies to evolve, combining conventional patrols with drones, satellite imagery, GIS mapping, real-time tracking systems and digital forensic tools.
He added that technology strengthens, rather than replaces, enforcement personnel, enabling faster, more accurate and safer operations in remote and high-risk forest zones across the country.
“Continuous training, knowledge sharing, and professional development are vital to ensure enforcement personnel uphold integrity, discipline and legal competency.
“Weak enforcement could lead to uncontrolled deforestation, biodiversity loss, natural disasters, water shortages, economic decline and failure to meet international climate commitments,” he reiterated.
The three-day seminar aims to generate new ideas, enhance collaboration, and strengthen the professionalism of forest enforcement officers in line with national sustainability goals.
“The frontliners are unsung heroes who work tirelessly in silence, facing harsh weather, rugged terrain and real dangers to protect Malaysia’s rich forest heritage,” Hamden added.
He urged officers to remain courageous, resilient and united, reaffirming Sarawak’s commitment to empowering enforcement and preserving the nation’s priceless natural treasures.
