A close-up of the illegal logs seized.

KUCHING: Efforts to combat illegal logging and smuggling activities in Sarawak will be increased from time to time.

Seizures and arrests have been made throughout Sarawak ever since the government pledged a war against illegal logging in the middle of 2014.

The efforts have been successful in weeding out the smuggling of logs and prevented the loss of royalty due to the government.

This, one of the High Performance Team Solutions projects, received special attention by the state government as discussed in Kota Kinabalu earlier this year.

State Forest Department director Sapuan Ahmad told a press statement yesterday that until July 2015, a total of 127 cases had been investigated with 250 suspects detained to assist in the investigations.

Sibu region comprising Sibu, Sarikei, Kapit and Mukah divisions recorded the highest number of case with 87, followed by Kuching region (Samarahan, Sri Aman and Betong) with 66 cases, Miri region (Miri and Limbang divisions) 54 cases and Bintulu region with 43 cases.

From the 127 cases, a total of 48,639 timber logs or 34,555 cubic metres worth RM10.4 million have been confiscated.

Sapuan said the department had laid out various strategies in its efforts to curb illegal logging in the state.

“Other than conducting surprise checks in timber storage area either in the forest or sawmills, we also carry out road blocks and set up inspection stations at strategic locations throughout the state.

“In addition, enforcement officers from the department are also assigned to various export points such as Tanjung Manis in Sarikei, Kuala Kemena and Kuala Tatau in Bintulu as well as Kuala Baram in Miri to monitor and check every vessel or barge that enter and exit the river confluence.”

That apart, the Forest Department also used numerous channels to get information before initiating an operation which was normally done in collaboration with other enforcement agencies such as police, Customs Department, Sarawak Rivers Board, Immigration Department, STIDC and Sarawak Forestry Corporation Sdn Bhd.

“Besides the conventional ground attack, the department also employs the use of technology and advanced application systems to detect illegal logging activities.

“This includes using the latest satellite imaging and air surveillance with helicopters which have facilitated our works tremendously,” he added.

Sapuan said the system was also used to monitor activities in licenced logging areas to ensure operators abide by the rules and regulations.

He further assured that efforts to stem out illegal logging and smuggling activities would not stop here.

“A long term plan has been implemented to ensure sustainable management of forest in Sarawak including licenced areas for improvements.

“The government under the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem has taken steps to make it compulsory to obtain Forest Certification licence in Heart of Borneo Project areas and practised Sustainable Forest Management (SFM.

“The chief minister has also said that he would consider lengthening the licence of operators who practise sustainable forest management with certification as incentives,” he said.

Overall, Sapuan said the present efforts to stem illegal logging and smuggling activities with emphasis on sustainable forest management practice through certification was apt and not too late.

He thus urged all parties especially licenced operators to give high commitment and cooperation with the government to combat illegal logging and smuggling activities and continue to enhance practice in sustainable forest management in Sarawak.

Enforcement officers check and record illegal logs that have been seized.