Malaysia is deploying the latest advanced technologies to combat illegal hunting syndicates plaguing the country.
To fight against the poaching of domestic animals like the Malayan tiger, endangered Sunda pangolin and Malayan sun bear, local authorities have started harnessing the power of AI-powered camera traps, advanced drones and forensic tech.
News of the development, detailed in a report from New Straits Times, follows public outrage about a Malayan tiger found dead in the back of a vehicle in Johor last week. These animals are on the brink of extinction with less than 150 remaining in the wild.
Three individuals suspected to have ties to an illegal wildlife trafficking organization were arrested in connection and could potentially face up 15 years in prison. The carcass was estimated to have a black market value of up to US$71,000.
In an interview with the Malaysian publication mentioned, a senior police officer explained that boots-on-the-ground efforts were insufficient to keep up with local criminals who have been exploiting vast forest terrain to avoid getting caught. New techniques are necessary, he said.
“We are now enhancing capabilities with AI-enabled camera traps, drones and remote sensing technology to improve detection and monitoring,” Datuk Seri Azmi Abu Kassim explained.
He also highlighted statistics showcasing how poaching has become an increasingly serious problem in Malaysia.
“Up to last month, authorities have recorded 186 cases, arrested 201 people and seized assets valued at RM149 million [US$35.5M],” the law enforcement official said, “a staggering six-fold increase in value compared to last year.”
Azmi pointed out that the nation’s national parks have become a prime target for illegal hunting. Furthermore, he says that poachers not only source wildlife in Malaysia but use the nation as a transit hub for their illicit trading.
“Protected areas draw poachers like magnets. Tigers, hornbills, pangolins and exotic reptiles are prime targets,” he stated.
He says syndicates that profit from wildlife crime are often the same groups involved in drugs, arms and money laundering.
Using advanced camera traps is not the only method that AI is being harnessed for in order to fight against illegal animal trading in Malaysia. A few weeks ago, a filmmaker created a completely AI-generated video to promote awareness about the illicit gibbon pet trade. All gibbon species in Malaysia are either endangered or critically endangered.
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