SANDAKAN: The Sabah State Forestry Department, in collaboration with the General Operations Force (PGA), detained two trucks carrying timber loads during Operation Khazanah at 1.30 am on July 23 in Kg. Randagong, Ranau.
The action was taken after inspections revealed that both trucks did not possess a Timber Removal Pass and were operating without authorization during restricted hours (after 7 pm to 7 am).
Seizure details included 59 logs (63.2 m³), licensed under Form I by Sabah Energy Corporation Sdn Bhd in Sipitang, Royalties RM4,732.70 paid to the State Government), commercial timber value: RM31,600 (based on domestic market rates) and the licensee was fined RM1,600 for technical violations.
In a statement on Monday, Chief Conservator of Forests Datuk Frederick Kugan emphasized that the Sabah Forestry Department remains committed to law enforcement to ensure state forest resources are protected from illegal activities and logging operations comply with regulations, including approved operating hours and valid documentation.
He further clarified that although the transported timber had valid licensing documentation, violations of operational conditions (such as movement hours and Removal Pass requirements) will not be tolerated.
The Sabah Forestry Department will continue to intensify enforcement operations like Operation Khazanah to curb uncontrolled logging activities, including strict monitoring of licensees’ compliance with regulations. – James Leong
