SANDAKAN: The Sabah Forestry Department (SFD), in collaboration with the General Operations Force (GOF), detained two lorries carrying logs at Kg Randagong in Ranau during Operasi Khazanah at 1.30am on July 23.
Sabah Chief Conservator of Forests Datuk Frederick Kugan said both lorries were stopped for transporting logs without a valid Removal Pass and for operating outside the permitted hours of 7am to 7pm, as required by SFD.
He was commenting on a viral report on the seizure of the two lorries loaded with logs valued at RM2.68 million.
Frederick said inspections revealed the two lorries were transporting a total of 59 logs, equivalent to 63.2 cubic metres.
“Further investigation by the Sabah Forestry Department confirmed that all the logs originated from a licensed logging operation under Form I belonging to Sabah Energy Corporation Sdn Bhd in Sipitang. All royalty payments amounting to RM4,732.70 have been duly settled with the State Government.
“Based on the domestic market price for processed timber, the Sabah Forestry Department estimates the commercial value of the seized logs to be around RM31,600.
For the offence, the licensee was fined RM1,600,” he said in a statement.
Frederick emphasised that SFD remains committed to enforcing the law to safeguard the State’s forest resources and ensure that logging activities are conducted in accordance with established laws and regulations.
