MACC speeds up probe on illegal logging in Sarawak

SIBU: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Com­mission (MACC) is speeding up its probe on the 519 bank accounts of individuals and companies which were frozen following its Ops Ger­gaji offensive against illegal logging and as­­sociated corrupt practices.

MACC deputy chief commissioner (Opera­tion) Datuk Sri Mohd Shukri Abdull told a joint press conference with Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem yesterday that they would give “special treatment” to check these accounts for involvement in the alleged offences.

These accounts, involving nearly RM700mil, were frozen after MACC started its offensive on May 12, seizing 1,785 logs worth RM1mil.

“There are a total of 519 bank accounts frozen by us. As this operation is a large scale one involving huge sums of money, we will need time to probe. Normally it will take us up one to two months (to probe). But will give these frozen accounts special treatment and speed the process up,” Mohd Shukri added.

Adenan said he had been briefed by MACC on the operation and the state government was giving its fullest support to wipe out corruption in the timber industry in the state.

However, he stressed that he wanted MACC to catch the real culprits and not the innocent.

In the case of innocent parties, he said he had requested MACC to either revoke the cases or reconsider unfreezing some of the bank accounts of companies and individuals as they involved thousands of workers.

“If their accounts are frozen, they will not be able to pay workers’ salary. This will af­fect the economy and put the activities of the companies on hold,” he said.

He said the MACC had agreed to reconsider its order if the situation justified it.

Ops Gergaji involved 400 officers and covered Miri, Kuching, Sibu, Bintulu, Bakun and Kapit. Fourteen people, who are directors and managers of sawmill and log ponds, had been called up to assist in investigations.