SARAWAK VOWS TO ERADICATE ILLEGAL LOGGING 'DOWN TO ITS ROOTS' - LEN TALIF

KUCHING, Dec 1 (Bernama) -- The Sarawak government is committed to completely eradicating illegal logging ‘down to its roots’, said its Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration, and Environment, Datuk Len Talif Salleh.

He highlighted that from May to October this year, the Sarawak Forest Department had initiated 81 investigations for forest-related offences. 

"Four cases were taken to court, of which two have been concluded, while the other two are still on trial. The remainder are still at various stages of investigation.

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“A total of RM554,923 in compounds and RM758,551 in proceeds from the disposal of seized timber were collected during this period," he said during his ministerial winding-up session at the Sarawak legislative assembly, here today.

Len Talif added that the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) is also intensifying efforts to protect Totally Protected Areas (TPAs) and wildlife through continuous patrols and enforcement operations to prevent encroachment and illegal hunting.

"From April to November this year, the SFC opened 59 investigation papers related to TPAs and wildlife crime. Of these, nine cases were brought to court, 15 cases resulted in compounds being issued, and the remaining 33 cases are still under investigation.

"During that period, RM39,000 in compound fines was collected. Total court fines imposed on offenders amounted to RM216,700," he said.

In efforts to combat cross-border smuggling, Len Talif said the SFC and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) also conducted a joint operation with Indonesian authorities from Nov 4 to 8. 

"That operation led to the seizure of 313 wildlife specimens, including Ficus species (fig trees), Casuarina species and Platycerium species (staghorn ferns)," he said.

He added that at the national level, Sarawak also participated in the Operasi Bersepadu Khazanah, with PDRM and the Royal Malaysian Customs Department. It involved 24 operations and RM2.23 million in seizures.

-- BERNAMA