Kuala lumpur: The Federal Government has allocated RM8.46 million for the appointment of 225 Community Rangers in Sabah this year as part of efforts to strengthen the protection of the nation's natural heritage.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup stated that this initiative is a component of the RM80 million allocation announced under Budget 2026. This budget aims to appoint 2,500 Community Rangers nationwide through the Biodiversity Protection and Patrol programme (BP3).

'The role of Community Rangers is critical, as their knowledge of forest terrain helps authorities combat encroachment, illegal logging, and poaching. If extraordinary measures are not taken now, Malaysia can lose its iconic species forever,' he said in a statement.

Arthur highlighted that since the Integrated Khazanah Operation (OBK) was launched in 2019, authorities have detained 904 locals and 294 foreign nationals. The value of seized items during this period amounted to RM413.1 million, and 2,838 animal snares were destroyed to protect iconic species such as orangutans, Bornean banteng, and pygmy elephants.

The Pensiangan MP and Sook assemblyman noted that 217 Community Rangers have been deployed at 18 patrol posts in strategic locations across Sabah, including Keningau, Lahad Datu, Kinabatangan, Sandakan, Tawau, Tenom, and Sipitang. One notable innovation is the establishment of the SMART Analyst team, comprising female Community Rangers tasked with managing forest crime hotspot data comprehensively.

Arthur also announced additional allocations for appointing 15 Community Rangers specifically for the Pagalungan and Pensiangan areas.