KUCHING: The Sarawak Forestry Department has defended its latest move in destroying on-the-spot, illegal logs seized during operations against timber thieves.
Its director Sapuan Ahmad said the department wanted to send a strong message against timber thieves that Sarawak was serious about putting an end to illegal logging.
The move, he said, was aimed at addressing allegations that the department had its hand in the auction of the illegal logs.
“Previously, all logs seized during our operations would be auctioned off.
“However, there were quarters accusing our officers of working together with potential buyers of the logs (for quick money).
“So, we decided to address this allegation by burning all logs found illegally felled on the spot at the scene of the raid.
“This is regardless of the value of the logs,” he told reporters here today.
The New Straits Times recently reported that the department had destroyed 300 logs, which were left abandoned in Batang Belawai, Sarikei near here.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Abang Openg had also consented to the move.
“It was the first time we had destroyed the logs and we will continue to do so, especially in the remote areas which could hardly be reached by road.
“We are serious about this. We will also not hesitate to destroy machinery and vehicles used for illegal logging.
“This is our fight against illegal logging. We should always remember the late Tan Sri Adenan Satem's words, whereby enough is enough,” he said.
Earlier, Sapuan attended the launching of the GEODRONE Initiative at the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) office here.
During the launching ceremony, Abdul Rahman Zohari, in his speech, said Sarawak can no longer depend on the conventional way of patrolling and manual effort in forest management.
Sarawak Forestry Department, he said, should make good use of technology to combat illegal logging, and to manage and to preserve the forest resources.
“The timber industry is an important sector, which contributes to the state's economy. Thus, we need to have effective forest management to ensure sustainability in the industry,” he said.
The chief minister had also proposed for SFC to conduct research and development for the establishment of an Industrial Forest, to look for tree species that can harvested within a few short years.
“With this, we don't have to rely on our primary forest,” he said.