JELI (Kelantan), Sept 13: A timber trade factory was caught operating without a license or timber transport permit in Jeli, Kelantan earlier this month by the Intelligence Unit of 8th Battalian of the General Operations Force (GOF),
The factory had been operating for 17 years in Kg Wakaf Zain, Ayer Lanas, Jeli before the GOF caught up with it following a raid under OP Taring Wawasan Kelantan on the afternoon of Sept 2 this year, a statement issued by the GOF in its Facebook said.
According to the statement, three men aged 35 to 53 were detained following the raid as the factory failed to produce both a permit to transport wood and a license from the Forest Department to operate the factory.
Representatives from the Forest Department were also present when the raid was carried out and verified that the stock of timber found in the factory had not been taxed.
During the raid, the authorities also seized a Caterpillar heavy machinery, two uits of bandsaws, two cross-cut machines, chainsaw, 16 saw blade, 301 pieces of round woods of various sizes and species as well as 1,450 ready logs with their total value amounting to RM1,597,600.00.
Following investigation, one of the suspects admitted that the factory had been operating for 17 years and he had been paid a monthly salary of RM4,500 as the manager of the factory as well as the person responsible for handling the heavy machineries.
The suspect also said he was employed by the owner of the factory who resided in Machang, Kelantan.
The case has been handed over to the Forest Department of Tanah Merah, Kelantan for further action, the statement said.
The case will be investigated under Section 84 of the National Forest Act 1984. Based on the information and the admission gained, the factory and the surrounding areas will continue to be investigated and monitored to detect and stop any illegal logging and wood processing activities to ensure the sustainability of forest resources and compliance with forest regulations.
–WE
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