KUCHING: Malaysia Forest Department seized 4,552 logs of various sizes and species at two locations recently, Forest Department officials said here the other day.
Enforcement officers from its Sri Aman office pounced after receiving a tip-off from the public and confiscated 2,552 illegal logs estimated to be worth about RM500,000 at Engkeramut, Sri Aman, on Friday.
The illegal logs, which were found hidden near an oil palm plantation, did not have legal documentations and had been felled about two months ago, said Sarawak Forest Department in a press statement yesterday.
However, no machinery or individuals were present at the location when the raid was carried out.
An investigation paper has since been opened on the case.
A day earlier, the department collaborated with the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, Malaysia Customs and Excise Department and Sarawak Rivers Board to seize 2,000 logs, which are believed to have been sawn shorter to make plywood, at a sawmill in Tanjung Manis.
The estimated worth of the confiscation has not been assessed, yet.
Forest director Sapuan Ahmad said the operation to curb illegal loggings in the state would continue at all times.
Sapuan expressed his gratitude to all those involved, including the whistle blowers, for making their operations a success.
He urged those who noticed suspicious felling of trees to immediately alert his office.
