BAU: The General Operations Force (GOF) arrested two locals and seized 15 tonnes of rattan worth over RM600,000 last Sunday (Jun 8).
Sarawak GOF Brigade deputy commander ACP Rosdi Inai said the operation, codenamed ‘Op Taring Awas/Batas’, was carried out at around 9.30 pm in the district.
The GOF 11th Battalion intercepted two lorries driven by the men, aged 25 and 33, on suspicion of transporting rattan without valid permits.
“Further inspection led to the discovery of 15,000kg of rattan in the cargo bed of the lorries.
“The estimated total value of the seizure is RM620,000, based on market price,” he said in a statement.
Rosdi added that the suspects, along with the seized rattan and lorries, were handed over to the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) Kuching Division for further action.
The case is being investigated under Section 31 of the Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1998.
