KANOWIT: Sibu regional forest enforcement unit recovered 226 various types and sizes of illegal logs that were buried in the ground at three different locations around Sungai Lipus here.
Sarawak Forestry Department (SFD) director Datuk Hamden Mohamad stated that the logs were recovered around 12pm on April 19 and 20.
“The logs were earlier detected by SFD enforcement unit as a result of intelligence and continuous monitoring as well as early detection using state-of-the-art equipment.
“After identifying the locations, enforcement unit from the regional office raided the area and used excavators to uncover the logs,” he told.
Further inspections revealed that the logs did not have paid markings. The unpaid royalty was around RM22,000.
The case will be investigated under Section 96 (I) of the Forest Ordinance 2015 (Chapter 71) which provides for a fine of up to RM150,000 or a jail term of up to five years or both.
For a repeat offense, the fine is between RM150,000 to RM500,000 or imprisonment of up to 10 years or both.
He also urged the public not to collude with any person or company carrying out illegal logging.
Instead, the public should channel information to nearby regional forest office if they find suspicious logging activities in their area.
