Sarawak takes steps to curb illegal logging
Joseph TawiePublished: Jan 3, 2015 4:00 PM | Updated: Jan 3, 2015 4:52 PM
The Sarawak government has introduced several measures to curb illegal logging activities which have robbed the state of more than RM100 million in revenue last year.
Sawmills have to now submit monthly purchase and routes timber will take.
The Sarawak government has introduced several measures to curb illegal logging activities which have robbed the state of more than RM100 million in revenue last year.
Chief Minister Adenan Satem said yesterday all sawmills are to submit monthly reports on their purchase of timber from all sources.
Sawmills also have to inform the forest department and other relevant authorities on the route the timber will take.
Adenan announced these measures in Kuching, after handing over 50 pump guns and 29 four-wheel drive patrol vehicles to the forest department to help its enforcement officers confront illegal loggers and smugglers.
Forest officers to know the industry better, such as the details of timber and concessions in their areas, boundaries, licensees, and contractors.
“Forest officers are to make regular but unscheduled visits to sawmills in their areas,” Adenan said, warning that stern action will be taken against those involved in collaborating with illegal timber buyers and sellers.
“We know there are some officers in the forest department or Sarawak Forestry Corporation who tip the illegal loggers, smugglers, and sawmill operators. We will try to isolate them and have them prosecuted.
“We have also informed the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to take particular interest if there are any suspicious activities among officers and people in the timber business,” said Adenan.
Enforcement equipment beefed up
Last year, the state government carried out 210 raids and confiscated 82,326.7935 cubic metres of logs of various sizes and types.
The seized timber is valued at RM41 million, compared with RM5.3 million in 2013, said the chief minister.
Adenan (right), who also heads the Resource Planning and Environment Ministry, said that the 2014 figure showed that the state had been quite successful in their efforts to curb illegal logging and smuggling.
It also meant that the problem was more widespread than the government had thought.
“I expect, with all these extra facilities and measures, the officers will be more effective in enforcing the forest ordinance.
“I do not want to hear of any more excuses about not having enough manpower and facilities,” he said.
Chief Minister Adenan Satem said yesterday all sawmills are to submit monthly reports on their purchase of timber from all sources.
Sawmills also have to inform the forest department and other relevant authorities on the route the timber will take.
Adenan announced these measures in Kuching, after handing over 50 pump guns and 29 four-wheel drive patrol vehicles to the forest department to help its enforcement officers confront illegal loggers and smugglers.
Forest officers to know the industry better, such as the details of timber and concessions in their areas, boundaries, licensees, and contractors.“Forest officers are to make regular but unscheduled visits to sawmills in their areas,” Adenan said, warning that stern action will be taken against those involved in collaborating with illegal timber buyers and sellers.
“We know there are some officers in the forest department or Sarawak Forestry Corporation who tip the illegal loggers, smugglers, and sawmill operators. We will try to isolate them and have them prosecuted.
“We have also informed the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to take particular interest if there are any suspicious activities among officers and people in the timber business,” said Adenan.
Enforcement equipment beefed up
Last year, the state government carried out 210 raids and confiscated 82,326.7935 cubic metres of logs of various sizes and types.
The seized timber is valued at RM41 million, compared with RM5.3 million in 2013, said the chief minister.
Adenan (right), who also heads the Resource Planning and Environment Ministry, said that the 2014 figure showed that the state had been quite successful in their efforts to curb illegal logging and smuggling.It also meant that the problem was more widespread than the government had thought.
“I expect, with all these extra facilities and measures, the officers will be more effective in enforcing the forest ordinance.
“I do not want to hear of any more excuses about not having enough manpower and facilities,” he said.
View Comments0