KAPIT: Police acting on public tip-off seized more than 100 sawn logs opposite Nanga Tulit, about half an hour by boat up the Rajang River from Kapit town on Sunday evening.
HUGE HAUL: Police inspect illegal logs seized opposite Nanga Tulit.
The illegal logs of various sizes and varieties tied together to form four rafts were ready to be sailed down the Rajang River.
Kapit police chief DSP Entusa Iman revealed at a press conference in his office yesterday afternoon that he led a police raiding party comprising Inspector Gilbert Cinhin; Sub-Inspector Jen @ Dannie Jimbey, officer-in-charge of the police station and others to the scene to investigate.
He said the logs were under police custody, and they had informed Sapu (Sarawak Asset Protection Unit) Sarawak Forestry Department, whose men were expected to come on Tuesday.
He said they found the logs tied to the river bank when they arrived on Sunday evening. No one was arrested.
“This is the third successful raid on illegal logging this year. The first at Nanga Aman on Jan 20 involved 49 logs of various species and sizes, mostly Engkabang tree. The second at Nanga Seputin on Jan 24 involved 31 logs; and last night, 100 logs opposite Nanga Tulit RH log pond. The 180 logs weighing more than 400 metric tonnages had a market value of RM0.5 million,” he said.
“I believe illegal logging is still done in the wildness of the interior. But it’s not so rampant as several years ago.
“The situation is under control and police are monitoring the situation closely. However, we still need public support to provide information,” he responded to a question.
On another matter, Entusa advised holidaymakers during this coming Chinese New Year to keep their homes and property safe and inform the police if they were going away so MPV (mobile police vehicles) could patrol their residential areas.
“No licence has been issued for cockfighting during this coming Chinese New Year, so don’t get involved in the illegal activity. The police will act harshly against anyone involved in illegal cockfighting and gambling,” he said.
Entusa appealed to logging firms to keep their properties safe and not leave their log pond without a security guard.
Engage security personnel to look after your properties, he advised.
Gilbert was also present at the press conference.