harsher penalties to curb illegal logging

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Harsher penalties to curb illegal logging - The New Straits Times

By P. Sharmini sharm

 

PUTRAJAYA, May 22. — Harsher penalties will be imposed on those found to be

involved in illegal logging.

 

Science, Technology and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Law Hieng Ding said

the Cabinet had agreed in principle, to impose harsher measures to put a

stop to the problem.

 

" The problem is getting more serious and rampant, " he said. He said the

matter would be dealt with by the Primary Industries Ministry and the

Attorney General's Chambers.

 

" While the Cabinet has agreed to impose stricter measures, it is up to the

Primary Industries Ministry and the AG's Chambers to work it out, " he added.

Law was commenting on the recent case of suspected illegal logging at the

Kemasul Forest Reserve in Mentakab, Pahang, where eight men, including a

district Forestry Department forester and a former Forestry Department

employee were detained yesterday.

 

" Illegal loggers are encroaching into protected forests and water catchment

areas, causing a lot of environmental problems, " he said.

 

Law said his Ministry was supportive of the move, considering the severity

of the problems caused by illegal logging, such as siltation, erosion,

pollution and deforestation.

 

He added deforestation due to illegal logging affected biodiversity.

 

On Monday, 21 lorry drivers and six men transporting 147 tonnes of logs

suspected of being felled illegally were detained by State Forestry

department officials and the police.

 

The logs are believed to carry a market value of RM1 million.

 

At present, the penalty imposed is a jail term of between one and 20 years

and a maximum fine of RM500,000.

 

 

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