S'wak losing RM100m to illegal loggers yearly
Published on: Wednesday, October 22, 2014
PETALING JAYA: Illegal logging in Sarawak is believed to have resulted in losses of at least RM100mil each year. Sources said one of the hotspots of illegal logging is Limbang, a border district in the state's northern region.An investigation has begun on illegal logging in the country, especially in Sarawak, said sources close to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).ADVERTISEMENT "The MACC is looking into the matter. Illegal logging syndicate members are from big companies, equipped with sufficient machinery and tools to take on large-scale operations," a source said.The public has reported that certain officers in government departments were aware of the activities but no action has been taken."Such a lack of action will lead the public to perceive that these officers are taking bribes to look the other way," the source said.MACC investigation director Datuk Mohd Jamidan Abdullah confirmed the commission had received information on illegal logging activities.ADVERTISEMENT Another source said the authorities had received a lot of reports regarding illegal logging throughout the country."Enforcement agencies believe that this illegal activity is becoming more serious. "Thus, action should be taken as soon as possible," the source added.
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Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem has expressed outrage after illegal loggers infiltrated two national parks in Sarawak, one of which is the state's largest totally protected peat swamp forest. He issued a no-mercy directive against the illegal loggers.Speaking at a press conference in Miri after chairing a meeting with heads of government departments and enforcement agencies here, he said he wanted to see the State Forestry Department nail the culprits."Yes, we (State Government) have detected illegal logging happening in the State, including in two national parks – the Maludam National Park and Bukit Tiban National Park."We are asking the State Attorney-General to recommend court actions. Enough is enough. I want to see results in the fight against these illegal loggers. I expect the forestry (dept) to deliver concrete results and not give me more of the same."I have already stopped issuing new timber licences. Those holding logging licences now have also been warned that they must not cross the line. If they are involved in illegal logging, I will go after them also," he warned.The Maludam National Park is the largest totally protected peat swamp in Sarawak measuring 432sq km. It is located in the Sri Aman division in southern Sarawak.Bukit Tiban National Park is located in the Bintulu division in northern Sarawak. Both are home to rare and endangered species of plants, trees and animals.Adenan also said he wanted to gazette more forests in Sarawak into national parks for protection.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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"My aim is to have one-tenth of Sarawak declared as national parks."Right now we have 800,000ha of national parks in 37 locations throughout Sarawak. By June next year, I want to see at least one million hectares gazetted as national parks," he stressed.