‘We will not tolerate attacks on our officers’

PETALING JAYA: Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar (pix) said the ministry would not compromise on attacks on forestry enforcement officers.

On the two officers in Terengganu who suffered minor injuries from guns, he said: “We will not tolerate such actions and will take necessary measures against those responsible.”

However, no arrest has be made so far as the police are still investigating the identity of those behind the shooting.

Expressing shock, Wan Junaidi said: “I view this unfortunate incident seriously. I am shocked that there are individuals who dare attack enforcement officers.

“The men were on duty to protect forest resources from being illegally exploited. I hope the police will arrest those responsible for shooting at them,” Wan Junaidi said in a statement yesterday.

He said he was informed by the state Forestry Department that the two officers were part of a 10-man enforcement unit who were on operation in Kg Serdang, near Bukit Bauk forest reserve in Dungun, Terengganu, to monitor illegal logging activities in the area.

It was reported that the 4am shooting incident on Friday saw three shots being fired, believed to be from an air rifle.

The enforcement unit had reportedly been monitoring a group of illegal loggers identified as Geng Awang Bukit believed to be active in the Bukit Bauk forest reserve.