The seized sawn timber of various sizes.
The pangolins discovered in a 4WD at Sungai Asap Belaga in Bintulu.
KUCHING: The State Forest Department’s Enforcement Division seized a five-tonne lorry and its load of 34 sawn timber of various sizes.
The seizure was made at Jalan Matang-Kuching here when the enforcers intercepted the lorry Thursday evening.
The lorry driver was also detained for allegedly possessing timber without permit or licence, according to a press statement issued by the department today.
The case has been classified under Section 96 (1) of the Forest Ordinance 2015.
The offence provides for a penalty of a maximum fine of RM150,000 or up to five years’ imprisonment.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident, the Forest Department in Bintulu has seized 31 pangolins (tenggiling) which were discovered in a 4WD vehicle in Sungai Asap, Belaga.
The pangolin is a critically endangered species and is a totally protected animal.
The 4WD driver was detained, and cash of RM9,819 was also seized from him.
This is to facilitate investigation under Section 29 (2) Wildlife Ordinance 1998.
The offence provides for a maximum fine of RM10,000 or one year in jail.
“The State Forest Department welcomes public tip-off and useful information,” the statement said.
Should members of the public want to report any suspicious illegal logging activity they are advised to call Sarawak Forest Department hotline number at 1-800-88-78777.