KOTA BARU: The Kelantan Forestry Department has detected illegal logging activities at 16 of the state's 37 forest reserves.
However, the situation is still under control, said department director Abdul Khalim Abu Samah.
"The department has recorded 27 illegal logging cases since March this year and all were conducted at the 16 state forest reserves.
"The forest reserves (include) Lebir, Ulu Sat and Ulu Galas," he said when met at his office.
He added that the activities are conducted by at least 10 syndicates.
"The syndicates have been conducting their activities on a small scale with the help of local villagers.
"They cut logs into small pieces, before selling them at local markets," he added.
Apart from Machang, he said other cases were recorded in Gua Musang, Kuala Krai and Pasir Putih.
In their latest operation, Abdul Khalim said the department detained two locals and seized various machinery in three separate operations in Jeli and Tanah Merah.
"Two of them were caught for encroaching state forest reserves, while in another case, we seized various kinds of timber from a sawmill which are believed to have been taken from state forest reserves," he added.
Abdul Khalim said the three cases are expected to be brought to court soon.