13 June 2003

Forestry Act has helped check illegal logging, says D-G

by Azran Aziz

KOTA BARU, June 13:  The National Forestry Act has been successful in checking illegal logging, Forestry director-general Datuk Abdul Rashid Mat Amin said today the law — which provides a mandatory jail sentence of between one year and 20 years and a fine of up to RM500,000 — had been a deterrent.

In the last 10 years, 26 people had been found guilty of the offence and sent to jail. The number reflects a drastic drop in cases." Rashid said this after attending a sustainable forest management seminar for those in the timber business in Kelantan. The seminar was opened by State Agriculture and Rural Development Committee chairman Datuk Omar Mohammed.

However, Rashid admitted that the Act had not completely stopped the illegal loggers.

"It is impossible to monitor the whole forest, which covers a big area." The department is conducting aerial surveillance and using satellite images to check illegal logging.

"In addition, we have our informers." Earlier, he said the country's timber exports in the last five years were worth about RM14 billion annually and RM17.76 billion in 2000.

He said 5.92 million hectares or 45 per cent of the peninsula was still under forest.

Malaysia's sustainable forest management has received worldwide recognition.

"Furthermore, the Malaysian Criteria & Indicator certification for wood and wood products is in accordance with the International Timber Trade Organisation standard."

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