Massive timber raid nets RM97mil in seizures, dozens arrested

New Straits Times

27-05-2025

KUANTAN: A series of crackdowns on unlicensed timber factories by the General Operations Force (GOF) on the east coast has led to the arrest of 98 individuals and the seizure of various items worth RM97 million this year.
The integrated operation, codenamed 'Op Bersatu Khazanah (Op Sawmill)', was carried out by the GOF Tenggara Brigade in collaboration with the Forestry Department, involving inspections of 32 premises across Pahang, Terengganu, and Kelantan.
The first and second phases of the operation were conducted between February 11 and May 19, followed by a third phase on May 20. The raids targeted illegal sawmills engaged in unlicensed timber processing.
Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department (KDNKA) Director, Datuk Seri Azmi Abu Kassim, said the individuals arrested — mostly sawmill workers — were aged between 18 and 80, and included 10 women.
He said items valued at RM66.5 million were confiscated during the first two phases of the operation, which took place in Kelantan and Terengganu.
"Various wood-processing and cutting equipment, including chainsaws, heavy machinery, and logs, were seized. Some factory owners were fined for operating without a licence, using unauthorised machinery and equipment, and violating timber-related regulations.
"A total of 18 raids were conducted during these phases, resulting in the arrest of 53 individuals. Thirteen were charged in court, while the remaining 40 were released on bail pending further instructions from the Deputy Public Prosecutor's office," he said during a press conference on 'Op Sawmill' at the Galing GOF Camp today.
Also present was Peninsular Malaysia Forestry Department Director (Enforcement), Abd Ramlizauyahhudin Mahli.
Azmi said that the third phase of the operation on May 20 was a joint effort led by Bukit Aman GOF along with the Tenggara Brigade, the Forestry Department, the Labour Department, and local authorities, during which 14 timber factories across the east coast were inspected.
"Some of the factory owners committed various offences, including operating without valid licences, employing foreign workers without permits, and being unable to provide export or import licences for forest timber products or logs.
"Assets worth RM30.8 million were seized, including 47,709 pieces of forest timber valued at RM11 million, heavy machinery worth RM4.3 million, and wood-processing tools worth RM15 million. A total of 232 individuals were screened, and 45, including eight women, were arrested," he said.
He said those detained during 'Op Sawmill' throughout this year included 58 locals, along with 17 Myanmar nationals, 14 Indonesians, seven Bangladeshis, one Nepalese, and one Indian national.
Azmi said that illegal sawmills pose a threat to public safety and order, prompting the GOF to hold regular meetings with the Forestry Department to develop effective countermeasures.
"All raids were preceded by extensive surveillance. We worked closely with the Forestry Department to conduct initial monitoring before planning and executing the raids," he said.
'Op Sawmill' involved 295 GOF officers and personnel, including officials from the Forestry Departments in Pahang, Kelantan, and Terengganu, as well as representatives from health and local authorities.