Terengganu seeks more rangers to protect new Pulau Bidong state park

The Terengganu state government plans to request additional rangers from the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) as it prepares to establish Pulau Bidong as a state park. Tourism director Datuk Tengku Mohd Ariffin Tengku A. Rahman emphasized the importance of this move for better monitoring and enforcement of the park's vast land, island, and marine areas, extending up to one nautical mile from the shore.

Currently, Terengganu has 511 rangers managing biodiversity protection across the state, comprising 330 state-appointed enforcement assistants and 181 community rangers funded by the federal government. After Pulau Bidong's gazettement on July 16, the state seeks extra rangers to prevent encroachments and illegal activities. The event also introduced the new Kenyir Rangers logo, highlighting the team's commitment to conservation.

The Kenyir Rangers have grown to involve 16 agencies, each with distinct responsibilities in the Tasik Kenyir region. Regular patrols and monitoring are carried out by different agencies, undisclosed to ensure effective enforcement. Jurisdiction varies: the State Park Management Council oversees the 32,000-hectare park area, Forestry Department enforces forestry laws, and Perhilitan can enforce regulations anywhere.