KUCHING: The Sarawak Brigade General Operations Force (GOF) smashed an illegal logging operation in the Julau district yesterday, seizing timber and equipment valued at approximately RM3.3mil.
Sarawak GOF Brigade Commander SAC Dr Che Ghazali Che Awang said in the Ops Taring Libas raid at 7.30am, the GOF team also arrested five local men aged between 34 and 59, along with a 45-year-old Indonesian man.
"Further inspection uncovered 154 logs of various types and sizes, two chainsaws and three bulldozers of different models at the site.
"A four-wheel-drive vehicle was also seized. The estimated total value of the confiscated items is RM3,312,000 (based on market price)," he said in a statement on Tuesday (Jan 14).
Che Ghazali added that all six suspects and the seized items have been handed over to the Sarikei Forest Department for further action and investigation under the Sarawak Forests Ordinance 2015. - Bernama
