SRI AMAN，20 May: A timber processing facility operating without a valid permit was dismantled following the seizure of 451 logs and several machines during a raid last week.
The operation was carried out by the General Operations Force (GOF) 23rd Battalion’s Intelligence branch at 11 am on May 15.
Sarawak GOF Brigade deputy commander ACP Rosdi Inai said the facility, located at a targeted site in the district, was suspected of processing timber without a valid permit.
“No arrests were made but the team seized 451 logs of various sizes, a timber storehouse and three timber processing machines.
“The estimated seizure value amounted to RM1,070,500, according to market price,” he said, adding that the seizures were handed over to the Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) for further actions.
The case is being investigated under Section 5A(1) of the STIDC Ordinance 1973, which prohibits the establishment, operation, or management of any timber processing premises without a valid licence issued by STIDC’s general manager.
Upon conviction, the penalty is a fine up to RM5 million, imprisonment for a term of up to five years or both.
The operation was carried out by the General Operations Force (GOF) 23rd Battalion’s Intelligence branch at 11 am on May 15.
Sarawak GOF Brigade deputy commander ACP Rosdi Inai said the facility, located at a targeted site in the district, was suspected of processing timber without a valid permit.
“No arrests were made but the team seized 451 logs of various sizes, a timber storehouse and three timber processing machines.
“The estimated seizure value amounted to RM1,070,500, according to market price,” he said, adding that the seizures were handed over to the Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) for further actions.
The case is being investigated under Section 5A(1) of the STIDC Ordinance 1973, which prohibits the establishment, operation, or management of any timber processing premises without a valid licence issued by STIDC’s general manager.
Upon conviction, the penalty is a fine up to RM5 million, imprisonment for a term of up to five years or both.
