Awang Tengah (standing at left) checking out the counters at ASNB Limbang with several officials.
LIMBANG: The state committee against illegal logging has roped in Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) to help beef up enforcement and weed out malpractices in the logging industry and enforcement agencies.
Second Resource Planning and Environment Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said this collaboration with the anti-graft agency would help strengthen enforcement and protect forest resources better.
He was asked for comments on illegal logging activities when met after officiating at the Customers’ Day of newly-opened local branch of Amanah Saham Nasional Bhd (ASNB) at the commercial district here yesterday.
“This reflects our seriousness to involve all enforcement agencies, and we are happy with the public coming forward with information on illegal logging in their areas,” he said.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem announced recently the appointment of Awang Tengah as chairman of the state anti-logging committee in the drive to halt the extensive illegal activities, which has robbed the state of revenue and destroyed the environment.
Adenan had said he failed to understand why no suspects were arrested when the enforcement agencies carried out raids though they made seizure of logs and machinery.
Earlier in his speech, Awang Tengah welcomed the opening of ASNB Limbang last December to better serve the people here and in Lawas District.
He said it would give the local community the opportunity to invest in any of the 11 trust funds provided by Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB).
The branch at Sungai Kudong Shophouse, Jalan Buangsiol is the sixth in the state after Kuching, Sibu, Miri, Bintulu and Sri Aman.