The Batu Gajah Forest Ranger Office successfully thwarted an attempt of encroachment in Compartment 91, Kledang Saiong Forest Reserve.
Based on a statement from the Director of the Perak State Forestry Department (JPNPk), Dato’ Mohamed Zin Yusop, a Hitachi excavator was confiscated during a raid and was taken to the confiscation store of JPNPk in Pusing.
“However, the individuals involved managed to escape during the raid upon realising the presence of the team of enforcers.
“In another development on Saturday (June 19), the enforcement team of the Beruas Forest Ranger Office also conducted patrols to detect any trespassing and illegal exploitation activities during the Movement Control Order (MCO) 3.0 period.
“Three individuals were arrested after they were found harvesting oil palm fruit illegally in Compartment 62, Bubu Forest Reserve,” he said.
The enforcement team also found a three-tonne Mitsubishi Canter truck, a Yamaha SRE motorcycle and a machete among others.
According to Mohamed Zin, based on the JPNPk records, illegal forest exploitation activities in the area have been taking place since 2010, involving 45 hectares.
“The individuals involved can be charged under Section 81(1)(g) of the National Forestry Act 1984 Enactment which carries a fine not exceeding RM10,000 or imprisonment not exceeding three years, or both.
“If the public has any information on illegal logging, exploitation activities or trespassing involving permanent forest reserves in the state, they can contact the JPNPk enforcement officer at 011-65566714,” he said.
Rosli Mansor
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