KUCHING: The Sarawak Forest Department will work with the Enforcement, Leadership and Management University (Elmu) to strengthen the capacity of its enforcement officers and improve forest protection.
Both parties signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the collaboration at a forest protection and enforcement awareness seminar here on Thursday (Dec 11).
State forest director Datuk Hamden Mohammad said enforcement officers would be sent to Elmu for training and further studies.
"We will also look into how we can come up with a training scheme for the university to assist enforcement personnel, not only in Sarawak but also the whole of Malaysia," he told reporters after the signing ceremony.
Hamden said it was important for enforcement officers to improve their capabilities and knowledge to keep up with changing times.
He said they should be equipped with the latest knowledge, any new forestry-related laws and relevant technology to ensure effective protection of forests.
"This is why we have discussed how Elmu can assist us and contribute to capacity building for our enforcement personnel," he said.
Hamden also said the seminar brought together officers from Sarawak, Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia to discuss measures to strengthen forest enforcement.
He noted that Sarawak's forests were the largest in Malaysia, comprising 44% of the nation's total forest area.
"It is vital for us to ensure that our forests are protected, not only for current use but for future generations," he said.
In his speech earlier, Hamden said forest enforcement could no longer depend on conventional methods such as physical patrols alone.
He called for new approaches integrating technology, data analysis and intelligence.
"This includes using drones and satellite images to monitor large forest areas, digital mapping, real-time detection systems, smart cameras and forest forensics.
"Technology will not replace the role of human officers but enhance their capabilities to act more quickly, effectively and safely," he said.
