Malaysia: Forestry officials seize timber worth RM3mil

The Star 14 Mar 18;

BERA: The Pahang Forestry Department has confiscated 2,400 pieces of valuable wood worth more than RM3mil believed to have been logged illegally from the Chini Forest Reserve and the Chini Forest Reserve Extension.

JPNP director Datuk Dr Mohd Hizamri Mohd Yasin said the seized logs were high-value meranti and keruing timber estimated to weigh 2,500 tonnes.

According to Bernama, the raid was carried out on Saturday by 60 State Forestry Department personnel following information from the public.

The personnel came across nine heaps of logs around the forest reserve.

“Subsequently, the department detained four local men who were transporting the split wood out,” he told reporters after inspecting the location here.

The men, aged between 20 and 60, were all released later on police bail after their statements were taken to assist investigation for possession of forest products.

Also seized were three tractors, two four-wheel-drive vehicles and a lorry.

He said the men appeared to be professional.

At the same time, he said, the department would utilise the RM1mil allocated by the Government to buy drones and new vehicles to monitor illegal logging.

“We will also continue to use the forest monitoring using remote sensing (FMRS Plus) system developed by the Peninsular Malaysia Forestry headquarters to see the extent of the damage caused,” he added.