SANDAKAN: The Sabah Forestry Department wishes to clarify reports circulating on digital platforms regarding claims that timber and logging machinery worth tens of millions of ringgit seized during an enforcement operation in the Sook district are linked to illegal logging activities.
In this regard, the Chief Conservator of Forests in Sabah, Mr Zulkifli Suara, emphasised that these allegations are inaccurate and misleading.
A thorough investigation revealed that the timber storage location (stumping) at Batu 63, Jalan Nabawan–Sapulut, is a temporary collection centre that has been approved by the Sabah Forestry Department.
The timber in question is derived from the legitimate production under the valid licence Block YK2/2023 (NFM) owned by Yayasan Sabah (Rakyat Berjaya Sdn. Bhd).
Logging operations in the area are conducted in accordance with the principles of sustainable forest management and utilise the Reduced Impact Logging (RIL) method.
Further investigations also confirmed that all timber found has been recorded in the CS Form (Check Scaling), which is an official government document for the purpose of calculating and paying royalties.
The movement of the timber also utilised a valid transit pass issued by officers of the Sabah Forestry Department.
A total of 28 logging machinery units that were also seized during the operation were found to be registered with the Road Transport Department and the Sabah Forestry Department, complying with the stipulated requirements.
However, the investigation by the Sabah Forestry Department confirmed administrative non-compliance in the transfer of timber from the licensed area, involving the absence of property hammer marks and inspection marks by the Sabah Forestry Department.
This violation is not classified as illegal logging, and the licensee has been fined under the conditions of the active licence
