By JAMES LEONG
SANDAKAN: The Sabah Forestry Department has clarified that claims circulating on digital platforms regarding timber and logging machinery—allegedly worth tens of millions of Ringgit and seized during an enforcement operation in the Sook district—are not linked to illegal logging activities.
Chief Conservator of Forests Zulkifli Suara in a recent statement described the allegations as inaccurate and misleading.
A thorough investigation revealed that the timber storage site at Batu 63, Jalan Nabawan–Sapulut, is a temporary collection centre approved by the Sabah Forestry Department.
The timber was sourced from legitimate production under a valid licence (Block YK2/2023, NFM) held by Yayasan Sabah (Rakyat Berjaya Sdn. Bhd.). Logging operations in the area follow sustainable forest management principles and employ the Reduced Impact Logging (RIL) method.
Investigations further confirmed that all timber found had been recorded in the CS Form (Check Scaling), an official government document used for royalty calculation and payment. Timber movement was also accompanied by a valid transit pass issued by the department.
A total of 28 logging machinery units seized during the operation were found to be registered with both the Road Transport Department and the Sabah Forestry Department, in compliance with regulatory requirements.
However, the investigation did uncover administrative non-compliance in the transfer of timber from the licensed area, specifically the absence of property hammer marks and inspection marks from the Sabah Forestry Department. Zulkifli clarified that this violation does not constitute illegal logging, and the licensee has been fined under the terms of the active licence.
Zulkifli said logging operations in the area follow sustainable forest management principles and employ the RIL method.
