KENINGAU: The district forestry enforcement team arrested a man suspected of being involved in illegal land clearing and logging in Kampung Kasuing here.
Chief forest conservator Datuk Mashor Mohd Jaini, in a statement today, said the arrest made on Feb 28 also involved the seizure of a tractor and about 300 pieces of wood of various sizes.
"The arrest was made under Section 23 (2) of the Forestry Enactment 1968 and we have appointed an investigating officer to conduct a probe.
"The investigation papers will be submitted to the state prosecuting director for the next course of action," he said, adding the Enactment provides a fine of not more than RM500,000 and imprisonment between a year and 20 years, if convicted.
In a separate operation, Mashor noted the forestry enforcement team also confiscated five tractors at Kampung Tagibang, Ranau.
The machines were believed used to collect logs in government land without a legal permit or approval from the authorities. Also seized were 34 logs that were gathered at separate locations.
Mashor said no workers were present when the department conducted the raid, adding the case was also being investigated under Section 23 (2) of the Forestry Enactment 1968.
"We warn all quarters against encroaching government land. Anyone who wishes to develop government land for the purpose of agriculture or other activities must get approval from the relevant agencies or departments," he said.