To Malaysia and the planet, its lush rainforests and diverse wildlife are national treasures, but especially vital. There is, however, an unexpected group of people stepping into the fray to protect these natural wonders behind the scenes: Malaysia security guard. Yet in a way, these frontline workers have become forgotten, from being classic gatekeepers, now expanding into playing a key and critical role themselves in defending endangered species or habitats. This article looks at what opportunities lie ahead for them, what they face and how you can play your part to help them deliver on their shouldering mission.
The Silent Crisis in Malaysia’s Wild Spaces
It’s one of the world’s 17 ‘megadiverse’ countries with iconic species such as the Malayan tiger, Bornean orangutan or the pangolin of the Sunda. However, this biodiversity is being threatened through illegal poaching, logging, encroachment. And from 2020 to 2023, the Wildlife and National Parks Department reported more than 1,200 cases of wildlife crime, with poachers aimed at taking the pelts, horns or meat of animals.
Remote protected areas of thousands of hectares need to be surveilled round the clock, where rangers and law enforcement are leading the fight. This is where Malaysia’s security guards have become invaluable. They are now stationed in eco-parks, forest reserves and conservation zones to assist combat environmental crimes, usually as the first line.
A Day In The Life of an Forest Guardian Beyond The Guardhouse
Modern days see modern security personnel and these are not limited to checking of visitor permits. Their duties now include:
High Risk Zone Patrols: Guards patrol the trails and river banks used by poachers for carrying illegal goods.
Reporting of injured animals or traps signs to the rangers for Wildlife Monitoring.
Community Engagement: Establishing trust with indigenous communities to find and talk with individuals engaging in suspicious activities.
Just last week guards in one East Malaysian state monitored something suspicious on a protected river which led them to discover a pangolin smuggling ring: the unusual boat movements were picked up with them vigilant and knowledge of local ecosystems.
The Hidden Challenges They Face
The risks associated with the job are unique:
Poachers often carry weapons with guards often not having the same authority and resources as enforcement officers.
Limited Training: Basic environmental crime workshops are provided to some, and most are trained on the job.
Burnout: Working in isolation for weeks, of course, combined with the pressure of dealing with criminals, are responsible for high burnout rates.
But they have been overcoming their hurdles. In 2022, security guards in a Peninsular Malaysia forest reserve captured nearly Malaysian ringgit 500,000 worth of illegally logged timber, helping to illustrate that Malaysia’s striking security guards have become involved in environmental protection.
What Can Malaysians Do to Support These Efforts?
Use hotlines such as the Wildlife Crime Hotline on 019-356 4194 to report illegal logging or poaching.
Push for Better Training: Push advocacy for better training programs of guards such as teaching them wildlife laws and conflict resolution.
Respect Parks: Park rules; reduce risk that guards will have to manage (no littering; stay on trails).
Share Stories: Be willing to share stories of these 'eco guards' in order to start shifting the perception of security work to be about on the lower end of the skilled labor gap.
A Call for Recognition and Reform
But there remain systemic gaps in Malaysia’s security guards proving their worth in conservation. Most of them earn a minimum wage (about RM1,500 – RM2,500 monthly), they do not have any insurance for work injuries. But due to their dual role as environmental protectors they could also recognize the policy change, such as:
Specifying how state funds could be used to help secure guards with GPS devices and other emergency communication devices.
Improving career prospects through certification programs for so called ‘eco-guard’ specialties.
Mandating strengthening of legal protections for guards who witness or intervene in crimes.
Conclusion
Protection of Malaysia’s forests can’t be reduced to laws and drones; it’s the dedication of people who patrol the country’s forest from dawn to dusk that keeps environmental security afloat. Valuing these unsung heroes not only preserves our natural heritage, but it also helps us relegate front line professions to standard of respect within the society.
However, the protection of biodiversity is under threat and the story of Malaysia security guard is evidence that it is a collective effort, and every citizen has a part to play.