KUCHING: Fifteen people were arrested for encroachment and illegal logging at Sedilu National Park following a raid dubbed ‘Ops Khazanah’, a special operation against illegal logging in totally protected areas.
Among those involved in the operation were Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) and other enforcement agencies such as the 10th Battalion General Operation Force (GOF) and Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
SFC in a statement yesterday said the operation was carried out on Jan 30 and the suspects, aged between 17 and 63, were caught red-handed with 88 pieces of logs of different sizes and species, three shot guns, parang (machete), chainsaws and both boats and the engines.
National parks and nature reserves controller Zolkipli Mohamad Aton said SFC will not tolerate any illegal activities, including illegal logging and wildlife trade and will ensure that the offenders will be brought to justice.
A police report was lodged at Simunjan Police Station.
The suspects were remanded pending further investigation by the authorities concerned and their tools were confiscated.
Those with information on similar illegal activities are urged to call SFC hotlines at 016-8565564/019-8859996 (Kuching), 019-8883561 (Sibu), 019-8223449/019-8332737 (Bintulu) and 019-8290994/018-9799778 (Miri).
