(MY) illegal loggers

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KOTA KINABALU - New Straits Times

Chong vows to nab illegal loggers

by Joniston Bangkuai

jon

 

June 8: Chief Minister Datuk Chong Kah Kiat has vowed to bring

those involved to justice if allegation of illegal logging in Luasong near

Tawau was found to be true.

 

Known for his strong stance against illegal logging, Chong had asked

for a full report from the Forestry Department and the Special Unit in

the State Security Division on the matter.

 

" Action would be taken such as cancelling (of logging permit),

compound and prosecution, " he said, adding that there would be no

compromise.

 

Chong was speaking to reporters after officiating the Singapore

Nanyang University Alumni reunion here.

 

He was asked about a report that the Special Unit in the State

Security Division had seized more than 1,000 round of logs inside the

Benta Wawasan Sdn Bhd timber concession area in Luasong, Tawau

on suspicion of contravening the Sabah Forestry Enactment.

 

Benta Wawasan is one of State-owned Sabah Foundation's

investment arms involved in logging activities within an area of more

than 200,000ha earmarked for a joint venture pulp and paper mill

project between the State government and a China-based company.

 

The report said enforcement officers from the Special Unit swung into

action during last week's long holiday break following a tip-off that

three timber companies assigned to log the area had been suspected

of indulging in illegal logging activities.

 

It was also reported that one of the contractors involved was aligned

to a " top Sabah politician " and attempts have been made to stop the

authority concerned from taking action against them.

 

Chong said he hope to get the report from the Forestry Department

and the Special Unit by next week.

 

" It (the alleged illegal logging) had been played up publicly so I want

to known quickly how far it has gone to, " he said.

 

Chong also said that he want to know the identity of the " top Sabah

politician " reportedly involved in the illegal logging.

 

" I want to know if there is anybody, I want names..I don't want

speculation and inuendos, " he said.

 

Eliminating illegal logging was one of the perennial problems in Sabah

Chong had hoped to overcome in his two year term as Chief Minister

which ends in March next year.