Sarawak conducted 240 raids on companies linked to illegal logging

KUCHING: The Sarawak Forest Department has conducted 240 raids on timber camps and companies believed to be linked to illegal logging activities, thus far.

Its director, Sapuan Ahmad said the department had submitted 122 investigation papers to the state attorney-general's office for further action.

He noted the department's efforts to combat illegal logging had become easier recently, with the new law introduced by the state government.

He said under the amended ordinance passed in the State Legislative Assembly a few months ago, the onus was on the people to prove that the logs in their possession were legally obtained.

"It is much easier for us, now that they need to prove that the logs are legal (legally obtained). Previously, we had to do all the extensive jobs, tracing the origin of the logs and others, and in the end, we lost," added Sapuan.

He was speaking to reporters after opening a workshop on Market Requirement for Timber and Timber Product Legality Affecting Sarawak at a hotel here today.
The two-day workshop organised by the department, WWF-Malaysia and the Ecology and People Consult (NEPCon) is aimed at providing an overview and update on global trends on the requirement on timber product legality and forest management certification.

Earlier in his speech, Sapuan urged all forest management units (FMUS) to not only concentrate on sustainable forestry, but also provide a healthy environment of the forest for the people.

"We want all FMUS to carry out logging practices in a sustainable and responsible manner and cease bad logging practices. We do not need timber or timber products acquired irresponsibly, to enter the local or international market," he said.

He cited today's workshop as timely, in line with Sarawak's initiative to improve its forest industry, with one of its targets to get all FMUS and big timber companies to commit themselves towards sustainable forest management and be certified by 2017.

Sapuan said in 2013, 6.8 million cubic metres of timber and timber products from Sarawak were exported, involving approximately RM7.2 billion in revenue, while last year 6.6 million cubic metres were exported, collecting RM7.3 billion in revenue. – Bernama