MIRI: Two local men remanded in connection with an investigation into the use of criminal force and obstruction against forest officers, have been released on temporary bail under a bond issued by the Sarawak Forest Department.
The duo had been held for four days to assist in the investigation before being released by the Magistrate.
According to the Sarawak Forest Department, the case is being investigated under Section 103(1) and Section 26 of the Forests Ordinance 2015 (Chapter 71).
Section 103(1) deals with offences of assault, obstruction, disturbance or interference against forest officers, police, or public servants performing their official duties.
Meanwhile, Section 26 relates to trespassing into forest reserves or protected forests.
The alleged offences took place on June 28, and the investigation paper will be referred to the Sarawak State Attorney-General’s Chambers for further action.
The department reiterated that any act of assault or obstruction against enforcement officers, as well as encroachment into Forest Reserves or Protected Forests, is a serious offence under the law and will not be taken lightly.
Last week, the department issued a statement on the incident, which reportedly occurred in Telang Usan, where the two men were part of a group that confronted forest enforcement officers during an operation.
They allegedly assaulted and injured the officers, in addition to issuing verbal threats during the confrontation.
