Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD) and the Perak State Parks Corporation (PSPC), with additional support from the Ministry of Finance (MOF) through the Belanjawan 2026 matching grant, continue to strengthen conservation and anti-poaching efforts in Royal Belum State Park through the use of SMART Mobile, building on the park’s existing use of the Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART).  

SMART Mobile, a shift from conventional to smartphone, strengthens the application of SMART in the field by enabling rangers to systematically record observations and patrol data, including patrol routes, wildlife signs and indicators of illegal activities. Using standardised field forms and GPS tracking, information collected during patrols can subsequently support conservation monitoring and the planning of future patrol operations in RBSP.  

The application of SMART Mobile in the field was demonstrated during the Knowledge Sharing Programme on Empowering Rangers Through Conservation Technology and Innovation, held in conjunction with World Ranger Day 2026. The programme brought together representatives from government agencies, conservation organisations, NGO partners and park rangers to exchange knowledge, share practical experiences and strengthen collaboration in protected area conservation.  

Dr Hajah Yatela Zainal Abidin, Chief Executive Officer of Yayasan Sime Darby, said, “A programme such as this help equip rangers with the skills and support they need to better protect our forests and wildlife. While technology plays an important role in conservation, it is the dedication and hard work of rangers on the ground that truly make a difference every day. 

“Their commitment is at the heart of every conservation effort. At YSD, we are proud to support initiatives that strengthen their capabilities while bringing partners together to safeguard Royal Belum State Park for future generations,” she added. 

During the sharing programme, participants also took part in a field exploration activity in RBSP, where they observed how SMART Mobile is used by rangers during patrols and how information collected in the field can contribute towards conservation monitoring and patrol planning. 

he programme featured presentations by PSPC, followed by a conservation forum with representatives from WWF-Malaysia, Panthera and RIMAU, as well as knowledge-sharing sessions highlighting approaches to conservation management and ranger operations. 

Since 2017, YSD has invested more than RM6 million to support PSPC’s long-term conservation efforts in RBSP, contributing towards stronger ranger capacity, improved conservation monitoring and enhanced protection of one of Malaysia’s most important forest landscapes.  

This commitment will continue under Phase 6 from January 2027 to 2029, with YSD committing a further RM2.1 million and expanding the projects’ scope to include prey recovery efforts. A healthy prey base is critical to support the recovery of the Critically Endangered Malayan Tiger. The highly contagious African Swine Fever outbreak in recent years significantly reduced the wild boar population within the Royal Belum forest complex, affecting one of the tiger's important natural prey species. In addition, this collaboration will receive additional support from the MOF through a RM495,000 matching grant under Belanjawan 2026 until June 2027. 

While technology provides rangers with better tools and information, the protection of Royal Belum ultimately depends on the people working on the ground. Through its partnership with PSPC, YSD has supported the salaries and capacity-building of 39 rangers, with five subsequently absorbed as permanent PSPC community rangers. 

Mr Lau Ching Fong, Director of Perak State Parks Corporation, said, ”Knowledge sharing and collaboration are essential to strengthening conservation efforts. By bringing together conservation practitioners and showcasing tools such as SMART Mobile for patrolling, the programme supports continuous learning while enhancing our collective capability to monitor and protect the environment and biodiversity.” 
 
The Knowledge Sharing Programme forms part of YSD’s continued support for PSPC’s long-term conservation efforts in RBSP, reinforcing a shared commitment to protecting Malaysia’s biodiversity through stronger partnerships, capable ranger teams and innovation.