Graft: Don’t mess with me – Adenan
KUCHING: The state government will not issue any new timber licences in line with its efforts to keep corruption and illegal logging at bay.
Declaring this yesterday, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem said corruption in the timber industry “is very bad” and that his administration would not tolerate such unethical practice.
“We must put a stop to it not just because of losing millions of ringgit but also it has painted a bad name on us internationally. I’ve decided not to give any more new timber license and no more OP licenses as well.
“There will be no more small small licences because these operators use their licenses to curi (steal) from outside their areas. So there will be no more nonsense,” he said at the signing of Corporate Integrity Pledge (CIP) among government agencies, license holders and contractors at Dewan Santapan of the State Legislative Assembly Complex here.
Adenan also urged license holders such as KTS Holdings Sdn Bhd, RH Forest Corporation Sdn Bhd, Samling Group, Shin Yang Group, Ta Ann Group and WTK Holding Bhd to be mindful of their operations on the ground.
He called on these corporations to monitor what their subcontractors, camp managers, suppliers and workers as he would not want to see any of them failing to adhere to the pledge.
“Give them a lecture and make sure they comply with the pledge. This is the only way we can save our forests.”
He stressed the state government “is very serious about fighting corruption” not just in the timber industry but in all other aspects.
“So don’t mess with me, I will get you with the commitment of MACC and other state authorities.
“You got to be rough because some people cannot be persuaded. Do not mess with the government. I think that’s all I want to say. You got my message.”
Since about three months ago, he said he had been in talks with enforcement officers from the police, forestry and customs in Kuching, Sibu and Miri as well as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to combat corrupt practices.
“The seminars are not just ordinary seminars but held in the presence of the MACC, so that I can put the fear of God into some people who are dishonest.
“Quite by coincidence during the two to three months period, a number of arrests have been made in connection with timber smuggling. I mean what I said and I’m not interested in talking in platitude. It is serious and it will be done.”
He said he looked forward to more arrests being made in the near future.
Adenan also warned palm oil mill operators not to accept stolen oil palm fruits or risk having their licenses revoked.
The chief minister also lauded the police for successfully eradicating cyber gambling in the city.
“I am happy and must congratulate the police for locking up all the shops involving in cyber gambling. We will be persistent until everyone keeps the order altogether.”