Kota Kinabalu: The Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry (NRES) will focus its Integrated Treasure Operation (Operasi Bersepadu Khazanah – OBK) on Sabah’s forest reserves, particularly in border areas, to protect the State’s natural heritage from poaching and encroachment.
Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup said the operation is carried out in collaboration with security agencies, including the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the Malaysian Armed Forces, the General Operations Force (PGA), and the Sabah Wildlife Department.
“Conservation efforts are also being strengthened by increasing permanent forest reserve areas within the Heart of Borneo (HoB), where Sabah is one of the largest stakeholders, with nearly four million hectares of forest reserves,” he said.
Arthur added that Sabah recorded the highest number of Community Ranger appointments in the country, with 225 appointments made throughout 2026, and an additional 15 appointments funded through supplementary allocations that he will approve.
The Minister’s visit to Head of State Tun Musa Aman recently was aimed at introducing NRES top management and providing updates on key initiatives and ministerial programmes for the state.
“These include the progress of the NRES Mini Complex construction, which will provide permanent office space for several key departments under the ministry,” he said.
He also highlighted the presentation of appointment letters to Community Rangers, who will help protect and manage forest reserve areas across Sabah.
