SIBU, April 26: The Region 5 Sibu Marine Police seized a total of 1,122 illegally felled timber logs at the Batang Rajang River yesterday.
The seizure included 250 belian logs, 520 batak logs and 400 logs of other species.
In a statement, the force said no arrest was made as those involved had quickly escaped upon spotting the enforcement team.
“Acting on public information concerning illegal timber activity, a team led by an officer and three members of PPM W5 Sibu using a patrol boat went to the location at the Batang Rajang River. As they approached the location, several boats were seen fleeing from the pile of logs that had been tied to the river bank,” it said.
The team immediately pursued the suspects but was unsuccessful in arresting them.
“The results of the inspection have found a pile of logs that have been tied into a raft of about 400 sticks. Also found were eight piles of belian wood totaling 200 sticks and two piles of batak wood totaling 522 sticks of various sizes,” it said.
All the logs, belian timber and batak timber do not have any stamps from the Sarawak Forest Department (JH) and are believed to have been obtained illegally.
A police report has been made and the case will be referred to the Sibu Divisional Forest Department for further action. — DayakDaily
