Ranau: The owner of two timber lorries has been fined RM1,600 after authorities discovered an attempt to transport 59 logs without a removal pass during an operation in Kampung Randagong, Ranau at 1:30 am last Wednesday.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sabah Forestry Department (JPS) chief conservator of forests Datuk Frederick Kugan stated that the JPS, in partnership with the General Operations Force (GOP) under ‘Operation Khazanah’, detained the two lorries. The lorries were found operating between 7 pm and 7 am without the necessary permission.

Further investigation by the JPS confirmed that the logs were sourced from the Sipitang district. All royalty payments, totaling RM4,732.70, had been settled with the state government. Kugan remarked that based on the domestic timber processing market price, the commercial value of the logs is estimated at RM31,600. Consequently, the licensee was fined RM1,600 for the infraction.

Kugan emphasized that the JPS is committed to enforcing regulations to safeguard the state’s forest products, ensuring that all logging activities comply with established laws and regulations.