Logs Worth RM15,000, Machinery Confiscated

Among the logs confiscated in Compartment 14 of the Rasau Kerteh Forest Reserve here on Sunday.- Photo courtesy of the Terengganu Forestry Department

DUNGUN - The Terengganu Forestry Department seized 10 round logs of various sizes and species as well as a heavy machinery in Compartment 14 of the Rasau Kerteh Forest Reserve here on Sunday.

Terengganu Forestry Department director Roslan Rani said the South Terengganu District Forest Office team went to the location to investigate at 9am after receiving a complaint of encroachment in the forest reserve.

According to him, upon arrival at the location, a Hitachi ex200 excavator was also found near the seized wooden towels.

"As a result of the investigation, we believe that the ownerless heavy machinery was used to transport all the forest produce that was piled up. Also found were 15 stumps that matched the wooden towels found.

Heavy machinery seized at the Paka Seizure Depot, state Forestry Department in Paka for further investigation. - Photo courtesy of Terengganu Forestry Department

"We believe this work was done in groups and all the forest products have just been cut down. The machinery estimated at RM50,000 was seized at the Paka Seizure Depot, state Forestry Department in Paka here for further investigation," he said when contacted by Sinar Harian on Wednesday. .

He said the case was investigated under Section 47 (1) and 81 (1) (b) of the National Forestry (Adoption) Enactment 1986 of the State of Terengganu.

In the meantime, Roslan said, his party always conducts operations to ensure law enforcement related to forest offenses and environmental crimes can be controlled and eradicated.

"We also always welcome public information and the public is now seen to be more courageous to come forward to channel information related to exploration activities and illegal forest encroachment," he said.

SEPTEMBER 22, 2021.

BY RUBIAH OMAR. SINAR HARIAN.