Abuse by logging trucks as no weigh bridge station
Published on: Tuesday, September 26, 2017
Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Forestry Department Director Datuk Sam Mannan said the issue of overloaded trucks damaging the highway built at a cost of millions in Kalabakan persists due to errant truck owner-operators taking advantage of the absence of a weigh bridge station."Penalties continue to be meted out by the Forestry Department but this will not be as deterrent as court prosecution under the proper laws which can result in confiscation and heavy fines," he said in a statement, here, Monday.He was commenting on a recent report for the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's (MACC) to look into illegal logging throughout the country, including Sabah.
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A photo of a fully laden logging truck crossing a stream purportedly in Lahad Datu was also published together with the report.Sam said, under the appropriate law – outside of the Forestry Department's purview – in-depth investigation and gathering of evidence, largely need objective evidence, such as proof of overloading."A weigh bridge station must therefore be present at a strategic location along the highway."And why this weigh bridge has not yet been erected…we do not know."
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In the meantime, the department detains suspects for further action on the basis of visual assessment – lengthy logs, exceeding height limits and inadequate wire rope strainers, among others."However, this is not adequate. The department also does not necessarily provide full time surveillance over these trucks as the priority is in protecting forests first, although checks are made on a random basis and full enforcement operations from time to time.
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"We also lay emphasis on 'detection of source', which is before the truck leaves the logyard, so logs are properly loaded."Nevertheless, slips happen from time to time, resulting in reprimands on the issuing officers," he said.He also said that the department welcomes any assistance on illegal felling and encroachments."The most important assistance we need is to evict and prosecute squatters inside forest reserves, especially those who have planted oil palm."Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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