GOF Sarawak seizes RM1.84 mln in illegal timber, protected animals in eight operations statewide
The timber found at the location believed to be used as a timber processing area in Sri Aman
KUCHING (May 19): The General Operations Force (GOF) Sarawak Brigade has successfully seized various types of timber, totally-protected animals and other illicit goods in eight separate operations conducted between May 13 and 18, estimated to be worth RM1.84 million.
In a statement today, Sarawak GOF Brigade deputy commander ACP Rosdi Inai said the biggest haul was made during an operation carried out on May 15 at 11am by the Intelligence Branch of GOF Sri Aman Battalion 23.
'The raid was conducted at a location in Sri Aman believed to be used as an illegal timber processing premises without valid permits.
'During the raid, the team found 451 pieces of timber of various sizes as well as seized a wood storage premises and three units of wood processing machines – all of which amounted to RM1.07 million.
'The seized items were handed over to the Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (Pusaka) for further action,' he said, adding that the case is being investigated under Section 5A(1) of the Sarawak Timber Industry Development Act 1973.
Some of the totally-protected birds found during an operation conducted in Bau.
In another raid conducted on May 13 at 11am, he said a team from GOF Sarawak Brigade alongside a team from Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) raided a premises in Bau, believed to be made as a storage unit to cage various totally-protected animals.
The team apprehended a 42-year-old woman, and found 15 totally-protected birds and 8 tortoises amounting to RM112,885 during the raid.
The arrested individual and the seized items were handed over to SFC for further action and investigation under Section 29 of the Wildlife Ordinance 1998.
The GOF then proceeded to raid six other premises throughout Sarawak, four of which involving protected animals and their parts, resulting in an estimated RM658,466 in confiscated illicit goods.
Meanwhile, throughout the Op Taring period as of May 19, GOF Sarawak recorded a total of 179 cases, seized a total of RM236 million, and arrested a total of 283 individuals (211 locals and 72 foreigners), and seized 175 vehicles.
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