SANDAKAN: A government-linked company (GLC) was fined RM1,600 for transferring timber without a permit and for operating outside the permitted hours.
The offence came to light after Sabah Forestry Department and the General Operations Force (PGA) detained two timber-laden lorries during Ops Khazanah at 1.30am on 23 July in Kampung Randagong, Ranau.
Sabah Chief Conservator of Forests Datuk Frederick Kugan said the lorries were found without a valid Removal Pass and had no authorisation to move timber between 7pm and 7am.
Checks confirmed the lorries were transporting 59 logs totalling 63.2 cubic metres from a licensed logging area under Sabah Energy Corporation Sdn Bhd in Sipitang.
All royalty payments amounting to RM4,732.70 for the logs had been settled with the State Government, he said.
Based on domestic timber processing market prices, the Sabah Forestry Department estimated the commercial value of the logs at RM31,600.
Frederick clarified the matter in response to online claims suggesting the seized timber was worth RM2.68 million and stressed that enforcement efforts remain in place to ensure forestry regulations are upheld.
