‘This job gives us purpose’
KOTA KINABALU: From charging vehicles to gunshots echoing through deep jungle terrain, the dangers faced by Sabah’s wildlife rangers are far from ordinary.
These are the harrowing moments endured by members of the Rapid Response Team (RRT), a specialised unit formed through a collaboration among Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD), Sabah Wildlife Department (SWD) and Danau Girang Research and Conservation Berhad (DGRCB).
For Hussein (not his real name), 29, one near-death encounter remains unforgettable.
The RRT officer-in-charge recalled a 2024 incident in Keningau in which he and his team were almost run over by an aggressive suspect attempting to escape.
“We were checking whether the suspect’s vehicle, which we believed contained protected wildlife species, could pass through, and there was a divider beside it.
“Suddenly, he accelerated straight towards us.”
Hussein added that the suspect, a local man from Nabawan, was trying to flee after being found with a collection of protected wildlife parts, including sun bear gallbladders, porcupines, pangolins and birds.
He said illegal wildlife trade is fuelled by demand for traditional remedies and lucrative cross-border sales.
“One sun bear gallbladder can fetch around RM800 when sold to middlemen. They then resell it at even higher prices, sometimes exporting it to China or the Philippines.”
His most dangerous encounter occurred deep inside the remote Maliau Basin during a joint intelligence operation with other enforcement agencies, in which heavily armed suspects fired warning shots using an M16 rifle.
“They wanted to show us that they were ready to kill if we move any closer. They said, ‘Let us see who lives and who dies’. For safety, we had to pull back. These are the challenges we face as rangers.”
Another ranger, Leonard (not his real name), 31, shared his experiences.
His team spotted some poachers during a patrol near Kinabatangan, but the men fled as soon as they realised rangers were nearby.
“Most poachers there hunt deer. It is not an endangered species, but they still need permits or licences to hunt,” he said, adding that they require firearm licences and approval from the SWD director.
During anti-snare sweeps and routine patrols, the team often encounters traps left by poachers.
“Sometimes, the animals break free before we arrive, but the snares remain a constant threat.”
Village hunters typically target deer for income, selling the meat by weight. Leonard, who joined the ranger programme two years ago, said he now dedicates his life to protecting Sabah’s wildlife.
“These experiences stay with you. But this job gives us purpose.”
Both rangers were interviewed during a ceremony marking the handover of the RRT’s 14 trained rangers from YSD to SWD.
“Over the three and a half years of this project, we have witnessed remarkable achievements, beginning with intensive training and extending to successful field operations.
“These include more than 600 patrol days, 65 arrests and extensive support for wildlife crime probes. These accomplishments reflect the dedication of our rangers,” said YSD CEO Dr Yatela Zainal Abidin.
Also present were SWD director Mohd Soffian Abu Bakar and DGRCB director Dr Benoit Goossens.
Yatela said YSD has channelled over RM96 million into 19 environmental conservation projects across Sabah, covering forest restoration and reforestation, protection of endangered species such as the orangutan, sun bear, proboscis monkey, banteng and clouded leopard, as well as education initiatives and efforts to address illegal wildlife poaching.
“To our respected rangers, you have not only demonstrated extraordinary courage and resilience, your fighting spirit has also become the heartbeat of our conservation efforts.
“The training you have undergone and the operations you have executed are far more than routine tasks – they have created profound and tangible impact in protecting Sabah’s priceless wildlife heritage.
“Your contributions stand as proof that hope for nature still burns bright. As the primary donor and supporter, YSD is proud and inspired by your dedication.”
The RRT rangers will continue their duties under SWD beginning January next year.
