By Peter Sibon
KUCHING, Dec 23: Cases of illegal logging have declined drastically as Sarawak now has the technology to curb such activities, said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“There are (cases of illegal logging)…but we are using technology to detect illegal logging. And the rate has gone down significantly because of technology,” Abang Johari told a press conference after performing a tree-planting ceremony in conjunction with the State-level ‘Malaysia Greening Campaign To Plant 100mil Trees Programme’ held at Bukit Siol here today.
He added that Sarawak has been able to curb illegal logging with the acquisition of special aircraft and drones.
“Recently I have just launched our special aircraft. And we have drones too,” he said, without elaborating details of the cases.
Sarawak has acquired a special plane costing some RM35 mil which includes the plane and modern technologies that could detect minute activities on the ground.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister said, he had issued a warning to timber concessionaires who have failed to carry our reforestation in their concession areas.
“Yes they are (timber concessionaires who have been warned). Now they know we are serious.
“Before we also have asked them to replant but when we feel that there is a slowdown of revenue, we say okay lat. But now, we don’t depend on timber after our financial reengineering,” said Abang Johari who is also Finance Minister. -DayakDaily
