Malaysia: More than a dozen nabbed for illegal logging, other offences in Kelantan forests

MOHD SHAFUAN KHAIRI New Straits Times 22 Nov 17;

MACHANG: More than a dozen people were arrested for illegal logging and other offences committed in Kelantan forests during a special joint operation which ended on Wednesday.

Codenamed ‘Ops Bersepadu’, the operation was led by the Forestry Department and included the participation of the police, Immigration, state Road Transport and state Environment Departments.

Involving 110 officers, the operation also saw the seizure of timber cutting and processing machinery worth thousands of ringgit.

Operation chief Nor Azirim Ahmad said the team recorded 16 offences during the operation, which started on Nov 14.

He said the team covered forest areas in the districts of Jeli, Tanah Merah, Gua Musang and Rantau Panjang.

"The individuals were arrested but later released after their statements were recorded," he told reporters after closing the operation at Bukit Bakar here.