MACC to target illegal logging
Anti-graft officers out to stop illegal timber business
PETALING JAYA: Illegal logging, which has cost the country billions of ringgit in losses in taxes and revenue, is the latest target of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
Anti-graft officers will be focusing on this issue after tackling illegal land clearing, bauxite mining and unlicensed factories.
It is learnt that incidents of illegal logging are “quite rampant and extensive”, causing a lot of destruction to the nation’s fragile eco-system and environment.
Some of the illegal activities are believed to be taking place deep in the jungle, including forest reserves and catchment areas, hidden from public view.
The problem is made worse when some enforcement officers tasked with taking action against illegal loggers are believed to have turned a blind eye and worked in cahoots with illegal loggers.
In return, the officers are said to be promised a certain percentage from profits from the illegal activities every month, paying no heed to the destruction of the country’s forests.
It is learnt that these unethical officers are raking in tens of thousand of ringgit every month as kick- back and side income to finance their lavish lifestyle.
MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Datuk Azam Baki said such illegal activities must be nipped in the bud before they cause irreparable damage.
“We have received very reliable information from the public on illegal logging.
“It is not just in one particular area, but in several states throughout the country, including Sabah and Sarawak.
“We have set up a few flying squads and they are now collecting evidence on the ground,” he said when contacted yesterday.
He said illegal logging has caused serious pollution, while natural disasters, such as flash floods and landslides could occur more rapidly, endangering the lives of the people.
Azam said the main focus of investigations will be on elements of corruption and abuse of power involving several enforcement agencies, their officers and logging companies.
“Once we have gathered all the necessary evidence, a sting operation will be launched to nab the culprits,” he added.
He said MACC would be moving into several states “very soon”, adding that “we are pretty serious in tackling this issue”.
He welcomed tip-offs from the people to assist in putting a stop to illegal logging and other activities detrimental to the environment.
“We will also work closely with NGOs and environmental groups to collect information,” he added.
In November 2014, the then Sarawak chief minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem declared war on illegal logging, saying Sarawakians must not tolerate corruption anymore because millions in revenue had been lost.
The state, he said, had gained a bad reputation internationally because of “this robbery which is carried out in broad daylight”.
The MACC swung into action with a massive crackdown dubbed Ops Gergaji the following year, and together with several agencies, some 400 bank accounts belonging to companies and individuals with about RM600mil were frozen.
About RM1mil worth of illegally felled logs were also seized.