SIBU: The Sessions Court here fined two Indonesian men RM40,000 each and four months in prison for illegally collecting over 300 logs of various sizes and species without a valid licence.
Agustine and Manto were convicted before Judge Musyiri Peet under Section 90(1) of the Forests Ordinance 2015, punishable under Section 90(2) and read together with Section 79 of the Forests Ordinance and Section 34 of the Penal Code.
The Sarawak Forest Department said they were charged with collecting 372 logs of various sizes and species without authorisation at KM76, Jalan Sibu–Selangau on Apr 14 this year.
In default of paying the fine, the court imposed an additional six months’ imprisonment.
The court also issued a further order under Section 91(2) of the Forests Ordinance, requiring each of them to pay 10 times the value of the seized forest produce — totalling RM1,352,107.30 — to the Sarawak government.
Both men failed to pay the fine and are currently serving their sentences at Sibu Central Prison.
Meanwhile, four Malaysians charged in connection with the same case are still undergoing trial.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Justin Lau and prosecuting officer Adrian Markus Terang appeared for the prosecution while, the Indonesians were unrepresented by counsel.
In response to this case, the Sarawak Forest Department reiterated its firm stance against illegal logging and unauthorised forest product collection, stating it remains committed to investigate, enforce, and prosecute individuals and companies, who violate forest laws in the state.