KUCHING: A total of 65,000 cubic meter logs worth RM32 million were seized by the forestry department from January until Dec 5.
Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem said a total of 177 raids were carried out throughout the state in the past 11 months.
"This is not enough. I will table a bill to increase the penalty of illegal logging and timber smuggling in the next state legislative assembly. I don't know how much yet," he said.
"I wanted to show that I walk the talk, I will do what I can to save the timber industry and restore our reputation," he added.
Meanwhile, state forestry director Sapuan Ahmad said out of the total raids, 94 cases were illegal longings, 76 cases classified as trying to avoid paying tax while the remaining seven cases were convicted with other offenses.
However, the department did not further elaborate on any arrests been made.