GOF raids illegal timber mill, RM1mil worth of logs and tools seized
KOTA BARU: More than 400 logs of various sizes and species as well as wood processing machines were seized in a raid on a timber mill suspected of operating illegally in Kampung Tok Limin, near Bunut Susu in Pasir Mas yesterday.
General Operations Force (GOF) Southeast Brigade Commander Datuk Nik Ros Azhan Nik Ab Hamid said the raid by a team of Battalion 8 GOF members at 10.45am was carried out through Op Bersepadu Khazanah.
"In an inspection, the mill did not have a valid licence from the Forestry Department and was obtaining timber supplies without permits and without taxes from the surrounding area.
"Four local men aged between 34 and 67, were also detained to assist in the investigation.
"Total value of the seizure, including timber, machinery and wood processing machines, is estimated at RM1.17 million," he said in a statement yesterday.
He said the case was being investigated under Section 93(2) of the National Forestry Act 1984, and the suspects and seized items were handed over to the Kelantan Forestry Department for further action.
He said the Southeast GOF Brigade will continue to intensify operations to combat illegal timber processing, especially in the country's border areas.
– Bernama
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
8 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Two arrested over RM600k worth of unapproved goods from Myanmar
BUKIT MERTAJAM: Authorities have arrested two men, including a foreign national, after uncovering a storage facility containing hundreds of boxes of unapproved food, medicines and cosmetics from Myanmar. The operation was a joint effort involving the intelligence branch of Battalion 2 General Operations Force (GOF), the Seberang Prai Tengah District Health Office, and the Penang Pharmaceutical enforcement cranch. GOF Northern Brigade commander, Senior Assistant Commissioner Shahrum Hashim, said the raid led to the seizure of 868 boxes of food items and 1,567 boxes of medicines and cosmetics, all of which lacked approval certificates from the Health Ministry and the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Division. "The total estimated value of the seized goods is RM559,190. "Preliminary investigations revealed that the storage site had been in use for two years, with the products intended for sale to Myanmar nationals living and working in Bukit Mertajam and surrounding areas," he said in a statement today. Shahrum said the authorities identified the location and thwarted the suspects' efforts to distribute unsafe food, medicines and cosmetics in Malaysia. The foreign suspect is being investigated under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63, which carries a fine of up to RM10,000, imprisonment of up to five years, or whipping. The local suspect is being investigated under Section 55B of the same Act, which provides for a fine of between RM10,000 and RM50,000 or imprisonment of up to 12 months. The Penang Pharmaceutical Enforcement Branch is continuing investigations under the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984. Shahrum added that enforcement efforts would continue across Perak, Penang and Kedah. "We urge the public to assist us by reporting any suspicious activities," he said.
The Star
8 hours ago
- The Star
GOF nabs two, seizes illicit food products, medicines, cosmetics in Bukit Mertajam
BUKIT MERTAJAM: The General Operations Force (GOF) detained two men,and seized 868 boxes of various types of food products and 1,567 boxes of assorted medicines and cosmetic products from Myanmar worth over RM500,000 here. GOF Northern Brigade commander Senior Asst Comm Shahrum Hashim said the suspects, a local and Myanmar national, were detained at a house in Bukit Mertajam during an integrated operation between the GOD's northern brigade, Seberang Perai Tengah Health office and the Penang Pharmaceutical Enforcement Division on Wednesday (June 4). "Initial interrogations on both suspects revealed that the house had been used as a storage facility for food products, medicines, and cosmetics for the past two years, meant for sale to Myanmar nationals living and working in the Bukit Mertajam area and its surrounding districts," he said in a statement on Thursday (June 5). SAC Shahrum said the location of the house was detected by the Intelligence Branch of Battalion 2 of the GOF, together with the Seberang Perai Tengah Health Office and the Penang Pharmaceutical Enforcement Division, and prevented the two suspects from distributing food products, medicines, and cosmetics that are unsafe for use in Malaysia. He said the seized items were worth RM559,190 in total. He said the Myanmar national was arrested under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 while the local suspect was arrested under Section 55Bof the Immigration Act 1959/63. He said the Penang Pharmaceutical Enforcement Division also investigated the case under the Drugs Control and Cosmetics Regulations 1984. SAC Shahrum also said vigorous surveillance and patrols are currently being conducted by the GOF across Perak, Penang, and Kedah to curb illegal activities. He said GOF remains fully committed and consistent in carrying out enforcement actions, and will not compromise in upholding the law. "The public is urged to act as the eyes and ears of the authorities by providing information related to any unlawful activities," he said.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- New Straits Times
GOF seizes over RM1mil worth of smuggled durian saplings, rare plants, cigarettes
GOF seizes over RM1mil worth of smuggled durian saplings, rare plants, cigarettes RANTAU PANJANG: The General Operations Force (GOF) seized Black Thorn durian saplings, rare Cycas plants, and illicit cigarettes worth more than RM1 million in two separate operations here and in Tanah Merah yesterday. GOF Southeast Brigade commander Datuk Nik Ros Azhan Nik Abdul Hamid said a lorry driver was detained for possessing the saplings and plants during the operation here. The 26-year-old suspect was arrested at Jalan Kampung Kedap around midnight. "GOF personnel spotted the suspicious lorry arriving in the area and, upon inspection, found 9,000 Black Thorn durian saplings and nine rare Cycas plants. "The saplings and plants, valued at about RM1.05 million, are believed to have been smuggled in from Thailand," he said. Initial investigations revealed that the consignment was bound for a nursery in Muar, Johor. Nik Ros Azhan said the case is being investigated under Section 5 of the Plant Quarantine Act 1976 (Act 167). The suspect and the seized items have been handed over to the Agriculture Department for further action. In a separate raid, the GOF seized 10,000 sticks of illicit white cigarettes, believed to be intended for the local market, valued at about RM18,700. "No arrests were made in the 3pm raid at an abandoned house in Kampung Pelain, Batu Gajah, Tanah Merah," he said. The case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(e) of the Customs Act 1967. The seized items have been handed over to the Pasir Mas district police station. Nik Ros Azhan reiterated the GOF's commitment to strengthening enforcement along the country's borders. "We will continue to intensify operations to curb cross-border smuggling and ensure our border security remains intact," he added.
