Sarawak: The Sarawak government has announced a robust initiative to eradicate illegal logging throughout the region, as stated by the Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration, and Environment, Datuk Len Talif Salleh. The commitment aims to address illegal logging activities comprehensively.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, from May to October this year, the Sarawak Forest Department initiated 81 investigations concerning forest-related offences. Four of these cases were taken to court, with two concluding while the others remain on trial. The investigations resulted in the collection of RM554,923 in compounds and RM758,551 from the disposal of seized timber during this period. These details were shared by Len Talif during his ministerial winding-up session at the Sarawak legislative assembly.

Len Talif further noted that the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) is intensifying efforts to protect Totally Protected Areas (TPAs) and wildlife. The corporation is conducting continuous patrols and enforcement operations aimed at preventing encroachment and illegal hunting. From April to November, the SFC opened 59 investigation papers related to TPAs and wildlife crimes, leading to nine court cases and 15 cases resulting in issued compounds. RM39,000 in compound fines and RM216,700 in total court fines were collected from offenders during this period.

To combat cross-border smuggling, Len Talif highlighted the SFC’s joint operation with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and Indonesian authorities from November 4 to 8. This operation resulted in the seizure of 313 wildlife specimens, including Ficus species, Casuarina species, and Platycerium species. Additionally, Sarawak participated in the national-level Operasi Bersepadu Khazanah with PDRM and the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, involving 24 operations and RM2.23 million in seizures.