KOTA KINABALU: Sabah has developed a 10-year action plan to combat wildlife crimes as part of its conservation efforts.
The 10-Year Action Plan to Combat Sabah Wildlife Crime from 2024 to 2035 was launched by the Sabah Wildlife Department and is aimed at implementing strategies to address threats against wildlife, including the use of online trade platforms.
The action plan was officially launched by the state Tourism, Culture, and Environment Ministry permanent secretary Datuk Josie Lai Mei Sing at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre hall on Saturday (Nov 2).
She said the key objective of the plan is to guide the Sabah Wildlife Department in protecting wildlife resources in the state, especially the endangered species listed under the Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997.
"This Action Plan also outlines conservation responsibilities shared with other stakeholders and serves as a framework for making decisions and actions," she said in a speech read by Sabah Wildlife Department director Roland Oliver Niun.
She said that the plan emphasises the creation of a proactive, competent, and effective wildlife law enforcement network while empowering stakeholders in wildlife protection through a comprehensive approach.
Lai then added that wildlife crimes are one of the biggest threats to conservation efforts in Sabah.
"Apart from illegal hunting for commercial purposes, pets, food sources, and traditional medicine, wildlife is also smuggled through land, air, and sea networks," she said.
"The emergence of wildlife cybercrime has also complicated enforcement actions and become a new challenge hindering effective efforts in combating wildlife smuggling and conservation," added Lai.
