KUALA LUMPUR: THE Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has called for stiffer punishment for those involved in illegal logging activities.
MACC deputy chief commissioner Datuk Seri Mohd Shukri Abdull said punishment for such cases must be reviewed, ensuring heavier sentences for those involved in illegal logging.
“There should be an element of deterrent. The punishment has to be reviewed.
“It is time we consider introducing caning as an additional punishment.
“We need it as the impact of illegal logging not only results in the loss of the country’s treasures, but also causes destruction to the environment,” he said after an integrity pledge signing and launch of the “No Gift campaign” at the Peninsular Malaysia Forestry Department (JPSM) headquarters here, yesterday.
The current fine of between RM50,000 and RM60,000 was no longer relevant, Shukri said, as the culprits earned millions through illegal logging.
He added that weaknesses in enforcing the law, especially against timber thieves, should be addressed immediately.
“We received information that there is shortage of staff in some states. If so, that has to be addressed immediately, and the same with certain procedural constraints.
“In Sarawak, for example, studies show that they are losing RM100 million a year.
“What is wrong with making some investment to save something of a bigger value?” he asked.
Shukri said MACC was willing to assist the Forestry Department and the respective state governments in their investigations if there were elements of corruption involved.
“Cases involving timber theft are not within our jurisdiction. However, we can act if corruption is involved.”
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri G. Palanivel said cooperation between JPSM and MACC would hopefully enhance determination among the department’s staff to fight corruption, especially in the logging sector.
In Palanivel’s speech, read by the ministry’s secretary-general Datuk Seri Zoal Azha Yusof, he said through such cooperation, JPSM should step up compliance and monitoring, as well as take tougher action against reports of power abuse.
“Periodical checks on enforcement processes, as well as investigation into cases of abuse and misappropriation should be addressed seriously as the role of JPSM must be seen and heard as guardians of Malaysia’s forests.”
Palanivel added that since the setting up of an integrity unit in the department last August, the unit had received 15 complaints.
Based on statistics, he said there had been a drop in illegal logging cases from 24 in 2011, to eight in 2012 and two cases so far this year.
Forestry director-general Datuk Seri Abd Rahman Abd Rahim said he would not compromise with any officers involved in corruption.