Petaling Jaya, 18th February 2021 - Malaysia's environment and wildlife enforcement officers have won international recognition at the Fifth Asia Environment Enforcement Awards.

The Operasi Bersepadu Khazanah (OBK) task force, a joint effort between police and the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan), and the Environment Department (DOE) were two of the eight winners for the Fifth Asia Environmental Enforcement Awards.

The awards, which are given annually for achievement in combating transboundary environmental crime, are presented by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in partnership with the UN Development Programme, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, Interpol, the secretariat of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, and the World Customs Organisation.

OBK won the award for the category under impact while the DOE won for collaboration.

"OBK led to the arrests of 87 wildlife criminals - 49 foreigners and 33 Malaysians - as well as the destruction of 460 wire snares and total seizures valued at RM2.7mil.

"OBK combined the forces of Perhilitan and the police, who also worked closely with state agencies and non-governmental organisations.

"With the operation's success, the task force has expanded geographical operations into Sabah and Sarawak to further protect wildlife from environmental crime," said UNEP on its website.

The task force was set up as part of the "Save Our Malaysian Tiger Campaign" launched to increase the protection of Malayan Tigers.

In an immediate reaction, Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Dato' Seri Abdul Hamid Bador said, he felt grateful to the Almighty that efforts to protect and care for His beautiful creations had gained UN recognition.

"The award certainly motivates my officers and men on the ground to strive harder and score more successes. The war against these plunderers should continue," he said.

Read further on The Star’s article as attached.

Source: The Star