KUCHING: Nine Indonesian men were detained yesterday afternoon on suspicion of illegal mangrove logging activities at Sungai Terombol, Telaga Air, about 30 kilometres from here.
Sarawak Marine Operations Force (MOF) Region Five Commander ACP N Kalai Chelvan said they were detained by a team of 10 MOF members led by ASP Wan Sazaly Wan Jaafar while conducting ‘Op Landai’ at the location.
“At about 5pm yesterday, while conducting the Op Landai at the location, the MOF members came upon the nine men who were moving the mangrove logs on the banks of Sungai Terombol.
“They were suspected of illegal logging of mangrove trees and have been in this country without passports or valid identification papers,” he said in a statement here today, adding that the men were between 24 and 48 years old.
The MOF also seized 2,313 mangrove logs worth RM18,000, five boats and outboard engines (RM16,000), and nine axes (RM100), with a total value of RM34,100.
“All the seized goods have been handed over to the Kuching Forestry Department. A police report has also been made at the Batu Kawa Police Station,” he said.
He added that the case was being investigated under the Forest Ordinance 2015 and the Immigration Act 1959/63.--BERNAMA