Hamden (second left) and other guests are briefed on forest monitoring technology during the Forest Protection programme.

Sarawak is enhancing its forest enforcement framework by adopting more strategic, integrated, and technology-driven methods to tackle the growing complexity of forestry crimes, according to Datu Hamden Mohamad, director of the Sarawak Forest Department.

He emphasized that traditional approaches are no longer adequate, as the dynamics of forestry offences have changed drastically over the last decade.

Adapting to New Challenges

“The world is changing rapidly, and the enforcement challenges of today are not the same as those of a decade ago,” he noted.

“This means our methods must also evolve,” he stated while officiating the Forest Protection and Enforcement Awareness Seminar at The Waterfront Hotel.

Hamden highlighted the necessity for enforcement officers to transition from solely relying on physical patrols to integrating technology, data analytics, and intelligence-led operations into their strategies.

Innovations such as drones and satellite imagery for extensive monitoring, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), digital mapping, data analysis, crime intelligence, real-time detection systems, and advanced camera technologies are part of these enhancements.

Strengthening Capacities through Collaboration

“Technology does not replace human roles — it enhances the officer’s ability to act faster, more accurately, and more safely,” he stressed.

During the seminar, the Sarawak Forest Department and the Enforcement Leadership Management University (Elmu) formalized a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening the capabilities of enforcement officers across the state and improving forest protection.

Hamden explained that this partnership will permit officers to receive training and further education at Elmu.

“We will also explore the establishment of a training scheme for the university to support enforcement personnel, not just in Sarawak but across Malaysia,” he conveyed to reporters after the signing.

Continuous Improvement is Key

He added that ongoing skill enhancement is crucial as officers need to keep up with current legislation, new enforcement techniques, and emerging technologies to protect the state’s forest heritage.

The seminar gathered enforcement representatives from Sarawak, Sabah, and Peninsular Malaysia to exchange insights and discuss strategies for enhancing forest protection efforts.

Participants included representatives from Elmu, the Ministry of Urban Development and Natural Resources (MUDeNR), the Peninsular Malaysia Forestry Department (JPSM), and various state forestry departments from Selangor, Perak, Kedah, Kelantan, and Johor, alongside the Sabah Forestry Department (SFD), the Malaysian Timber Industry Board (MTIB), and other key agencies.

The post Sarawak boosts forest protection with drones, satellite monitoring and data analytics appeared first on Borneo Post Online.

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