BINTULU: The Forest Department Sarawak (SFD) successfully thwarted an attempt by five men, including a foreigner, to smuggle illegal logs using dumper trucks around the Kemena Industry Estate.
The raid was carried out around 8.20pm last Friday (Apr 25) as forest enforcement officers were conducting patrol and enforcement duties in the area.
SFD director Datuk Hamden Mohammad in a statement, said five trucks loaded with illegal logs of various species and sizes were found at the scene.
“Four local men and one Indonesian were detained for inspection.
“None of the drivers were able to produce valid documents of ownership for the logs,” he said.
The trucks and the logs — estimated to be worth RM275,000 — were seized and brought to the Bintulu Regional Forest Office for further action.
Hamden stated that the suspects will be charged in court under Section 96 of the Forests Ordinance 2015 for unlawful possession of forest produce.
He assured that the department remain committed to combating timber smuggling and illegal logging activities in the state.
