KUALA LUMPUR: The punishment for cases involving timber theft should be reviewed to provide for a heavier sentence as the existing penalty has no effect on offenders.
Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) deputy chief commissioner Datuk Seri Mohd Shukri Abdull said the existing fine of between RM50,000 and RM60,000 was no longer relevant as the culprits could earn million of ringgit through their illegal logging activities.
“There should also be an element of deterrent. The punishment has to be reviewed.
“If it needs whipping, so be it, because the impact of their doings not only result in loss of the country treasures, but also cause destruction to environment,” he added.
He told this to reporters after the signing of the Integrity Pledge and launch of the No Gift campaign at the Peninsular Malaysia Forestry headquarters here today.
Mohd Shukri said weaknesses in enforcing the law, especially against timber thieves, should be addressed immediately.
“We receive information that in some states there is shortage of staff. If that is the problem, that has to be addressed immediately, and so are other constraints, like in procedures.
“For example in Sarawak, study showed they are losing RM100 million a year. What’s wrong with making some investment to save something of a bigger value,” he added.
He said MACC was willing to assist the Forestry Department and the respective state government in their investigations if there were elements of corruption involved.
“Cases involving timber theft are not within our jurisdiction, but if they involve corruption, then we can act,” he added. -Bernama