The State Forestry Department (JPNP) seized seven loaded lorries during an integrated operation (Ops Oren) between February 9 to 12 last week.
According to a statement provided by the department, the lorries were believed to be illegally transporting forest goods from a permanent forest reserve (HSK) under the state government and failed to present any documents (mover’s license).
All seized goods were moved to the department’s store, while all of the arrested lorry drivers and conductors were released on a bail after their statements were obtained.
The suspects are charged under Section 68(1), Section 68(2) and Section 40(1) of the National Forestry Act 1984 (Amendment 1985). If convicted under Section 68(1), they could be fined up to RM50,000 or imprisoned up to five years, or face both.
Offence under Section 68(2) may be liable to a fine of not more than RM10,000 or imprisonment of up to three years, or both. Offence under Section 40(1) is subject to a fine of maximum RM500,000 and imprisonment of at least one year up to 20 years. However, it’s subject to further investigations by JPNP’s investigation team.
The Ops Oren involved a few security agencies, some of which were the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM), Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM), Malaysia Civil Defence Force (APM) and The People’s Volunteer Corps (RELA).
Roadblocks involved five district forest offices (PHD), which were Hulu Perak PHD, Kuala Kangsar PHD, Kinta-Manjung PHD, Larut & Matang PHD and South Perak PHD.
Overall, 50 lorries of various sizes transporting forest goods such as logs, rubber wood, canes and rattans among many more, were thoroughly checked by JPNP’s enforcement team.
JPNP reminded the public that monitoring and patrolling works are still carried out despite the ongoing Movement Control Order (MCO).
Rosli Mansor
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