CM: Cut off illegal export route

MIRI: Huge quantities of illegally harvested logs, worth millions of ringgit, are believed to be smuggled out regularly from illegal logging camps in the state.

Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem, yesterday issued a directive to investigate and cut off the illegal export route, in yet another firm move to clean up the state’s logging industry which has been tainted by corrupt practices, resulting in yearly losses of revenue of up to RM100mil.

Adenan, who celebrated his first anniversary as Chief Minister on Sunday, said he would introduce more new measures to tackle the scourge of illegal logging in Sarawak.

“I have been informed that illegal logs from the illegal timber camps in the interior areas are being exported overseas. The logs are being sent directly to ships waiting in the South China Sea.

“That seems to be the export routes that I want the forestry people to take steps to cut off,” he said after chairing a closed-door meeting with enforcement officials from the Sarawak Forestry in Miri City.

The Chief Minister said that other steps taken include holding Sarawak forestry officials and timber tycoons accountable for any illegal logging taking place under their noses.

“The public has been cooperating in enabling forestry officers to make seizures of illegal logs.

“I have already asked the management of the six biggest timber companies to sign integrity pledges.

“I have also personally spoken to the bosses of these six companies and they have agreed to help stop any corruption and illegal logging inside their areas.

“If there are any corrupt officials found not taking steps to stop illegal logging, I will get the Malaysian Anti Corruption Agency to go after them,” he warned.

On Sunday, Adenan, who attended a Chinese New Year gathering organised by the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) said fighting corruption and illegal logging were among the issues that Sarawak must address.

“We are asking for increased oil royalty from the Federal Government from 5% to 20%. I will continue to pursue this even though Petronas has already agreed to give RM2.1bil worth of new projects to Sarawakians.

“Reducing electricity tariff is getting done for the rakyat and as far as politics and social issues are concerned, the state has secured a guarantee from Umno that the party will not expand into Sarawak.