KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Parks rangers will now have more enforcement powers including being allowed to carry firearms with the state assembly unanimously passing amendments to the Parks Enactment 1984 on Thursday (Nov 21).
The amendments tabled by Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew (pic) created a new Section 49A in the enactment that empowers any Park Officer authorised by the Parks director to carry and use firearms in Parks or Nature Reserves subject to the administrative orders of the director.
The amendments also introduces new Section 51B to provide for the powers of investigation by the Park officers.
Another amendment gives a clearer definition for the authorised Park officers to issue compounds to offenders. It stipulates for compounds of an amount not exceeding 50% of the maximum fine for a stipulated offence .
It also empowers the director or the Park Officer to release or forfeit goods seized including any animal, trophy, mineral or vegetation, or any vehicle, boat, firearms or other weapon, trap, net or instrument, material, note book, book, map, plan, report or any other document in connection with the offence.
The amendment clearly defines the Parks and Nature Reserves scope in protecting and conserving animals and plants and its natural habitats in Parks or Nature Reserves.
It also states the preservation and maintenance of the ecosystem services, to preserve the objects of geological, archaeological historical, ethnological, scientific and scenic interest and to promote education, health, aesthetic value and public recreation through the conservation and utilisation of Parks or Nature Reserves.
Among the amendments was also to give a clear definition to “ecosystem services” under Parks, which states the direct and indirect contribution provided for human well-being deriving from natural processes in biology, climatology, geology, hydrology, natural landscape and oceanology.
The amendment also inserted Taman Pulau Sipadan (16,860ha.) and Taman Tun Mustapha among the Parks to be included into the Enactment that also spells out the role for the Sabah Parks Board in implementing management plans for the Parks.
These include the protection of a Park or Nature Reserve against pollution, soil erosion or physical damage, provision for facilities and services for the enjoyment or convenience of the public and the prevention of introduction and the removal of noxious plants or animals, visitors management and safety.
