Two individuals were separately captured for illegally transporting forest products yesterday (May 17).
According to a statement provided by the State Forestry Department (JPNPk) dated today (May 18), the captures were made at the Kuala Bikam – Jalan Teluk Intan intersection and a roadblock (SJR) at the Slim River Toll.
“An enforcement team from the Perak Selatan Forest District Office received information from the public regarding a suspicious-looking lorry at the Kuala Bikam – Jalan Teluk Intan intersection.
“During review and monitoring activity, a driver suspected to be transporting forest products was seen at the location involved. The lorry was immediately detained.
“The driver was found transporting 1,000 bamboo sticks (to be made into garden stakes) and failed to present any authorization documents by JPNPk. However, he refused to cooperate, aggressively threw the forest products away and fled from the scene.
“The driver subsequently turned himself in at the Bidor Police Station eight hours after a police report was lodged regarding the issue.
“In a separate capture on the same day, a call from SJR staff on duty at Slim River Toll was received, informing the arrest of a lorry transporting forest products and also failing to present any documents issued by JPNPk.
“The driver was found transporting 57 wood logs of multiple species without a mover’s licence. A police report was lodged at the Slim River Police Station,” the statement detailed.
It added, both drivers were released on police bail after their statements were obtained. The lorries were seized and moved to JPNPk’s storage of confiscated goods.
“Both drivers are liable to the offence of transporting forest products without valid licence under Section 68(1) of the National Forestry Act 1984 (Adoption) (Amendment) Enactment 1985.
“Punishment entails a fine of up to RM50,000, imprisonment of up to five years, or both. The ultimatum is to be decided after further investigations by JPNPk,” the statement mentioned.
The department reminded that implementation of the National Forestry Act 1984 (Adoption) (Amendment) Enactment 1985 is constantly ongoing in its patrol and monitoring activities, despite the ongoing Movement Control Order (MCO).
Chris Teh
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