Illegal logging raid: Six detained, RM1.1m machinery, timber seized

PASIR MAS: About RM1.1 million worth of machinery and timber were seized in a raid on an illegal timber processing factory in Kampung Lubok Tapah here yesterday.

Six men, including the factory owner, were detained in the operation. The others comprised four locals and a Bangladeshi man.

General Operations Force Southeast Brigade commander Senior Assistant Commissioner Ahmad Radzi Hussain said the 3.30pm operation was carried out under Op Taring Wawasan Kelantan.

“A Strike Force team from the Seventh Battalion raided the factory following information on illegal timber processing activities.

“After raiding the premises, they found six men working inside.

“Checks found the owner failed to produce any valid operating licence for the timber processing facility, as well as permits for the use of timber-cutting machinery issued by the Forestry Department,” he said.

Radzi said further inspections uncovered various timber processing machines, heavy equipment, logs and about 50,000 pieces of processed timber of various types and sizes.

Among the items seized were industrial timber-cutting and wood-planing machines, an air compressor, saw blades, a Caterpillar heavy vehicle and processed timber products.

“Initial investigations revealed that the illegal timber factory had been operating for about six months and employed five workers.

“The owner allegedly obtained timber supplies through two agents in Perak and Gua Musang.

“The processed timber was believed to have been supplied to a furniture factory in Lemal before being sold in the Kelantan market,” he said.

Radzi added that inspections were also carried out at the furniture factory involved, but authorities found no offences as the premises possessed valid operating licences.

He said all suspects and seized items had been handed over to the Kelantan Forestry Department in Kota Bharu for further action under Section 68(1) of the National Forestry Act 1984.

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

المصدر: New Straits Times