KUCHING: Illegal timber operators are now transporting timber via tugboats to manoeuvre through the rivers.
State Commander of Marine Police Region 5, ACP Salehuddin Mat Zaman disclosed that this is the latest modus operandi that is being used to transport illegal timber.
“These tugboats would be pulling the logs that are tied like a raft. If they (tugboats) are caught by us, the timber would not be seized; we only seize their boats.
“On top of that, they operate mostly at night.
“However our main concern is that, when these logs are tied like this, chances are they might snap of from the bundle and scatter in the river.
“This is hazardous to other river users because logs would sink and float when it is in the water,” said Salehuddin when speaking to reporters at the Masjid Darul Hana at the Headquarters of Marine Police Region 5, yesterday.
He also disclosed that the number of cases recorded with the marine police regarding the Sarawak Forest Ordinance is raising some concerns, especially on illegal loggings.
“In 2015, 26 cases were recorded while in 2016, 28 cases were recorded. As of September 2017, we have already recorded 24 cases.
“The number, even though it is small, shows an increasing trend. Every month, there will be illegal logging cases being reported. They have various modus operandi to escape being caught.
“Also, note that the marine police can only operate as close as 1km away from the riverbank. Hence, there is so much that the marine police can do from the water,” said Salehuddin.
He then urged members of the public to channel any information to the police, marine or forestry department when they detect any suspicious activity being conducted whether it is on land or water.
Reports can be made by calling 082-334111 (24 hours hotline).
