FROM May to October 2025, the Sarawak Forest Department opened a total of 81 investigation papers (IPs) on forest-related offences, with four cases filed in court.
Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh said two have been concluded, while the remaining two are still undergoing prosecution and trial.
“During this period, the state collected RM554,923 in compounds and RM718,551 from the sale of seized timber.
“The government is determined to ensure that all illegal logging activities are dealt with seriously and efficiently,” he said when delivering the Natural Resources and Urban Development ministerial winding-up speech on behalf of Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan in the august House today.
Len Talif added that apart from logging, enforcement to protect Totally Protected Areas (TPAs) and wildlife remains a priority.
“From April to November 2025, the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) opened 59 Investigation Papers for offenses related to TPAs and wildlife.
“Nine cases went to court, 15 compounds were issued, and two cases were referred to the Sarawak Attorney General’s Chamber, with the rest still under investigation.
“During the same period, eight cases carried over from the previous year were also prosecuted, bringing the total number of court cases to 17. Of these, 21 offenders pleaded guilty and were fined, while 13 were sentenced to imprisonment. A total of RM39,000 in compounds and RM216,700 in court fines were collected,” he added.
Len Talif also highlighted recent cross-border operations against wildlife smuggling.
From Nov 4-8, he said SFC and the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP), in collaboration with Indonesian enforcement agencies, seized 313 wildlife items along the Malaysia-Indonesia border.
At the national level, the Integrated Khazanah Operation (OBK), conducted in partnership with PDRM and the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, carried out 24 operations from April to November, with seized goods valued at RM2.23 million.
The deputy minister added that the state welcomes research initiatives to explore Sarawak’s rich biodiversity.
“To date, 105 research permits have been issued to 84 local and 21 foreign researchers. The Research for Intensified Management of Bio-Rich Areas (RIMBA) project under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) has also published Species Conservation Action Plans for Marine Turtles and Proboscis Monkeys, with the Orangutan plan in the final stages of printing.
“These efforts are crucial to ensure sustainable management of our forests and wildlife for generations to come,” Len Talif stated.
