Latest news with #AzmiAbuKassim
The Star
27-05-2025
- The Star
GOF raids sawmills across three states, seizes over RM97mil in timber, goods
KUANTAN: The Southeast Brigade of the General Operations Force (GOF), in collaboration with the Forestry Department, has seized timber and related goods worth over RM97mil following 32 raids on sawmills in Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang between Feb 11 and May 20. Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department director Datuk Seri Azmi Abu Kassim said the first two phases of "Ops Sawmill", a targeted initiative under the broader "Ops Bersepadu Khazanah", involved raids on 18 premises, namely two in Terengganu and 16 in Kelantan. These led to the arrest of 53 individuals and the seizure of timber and equipment worth RM66.5mil. Phase three, he said, covered 14 raids on seven premises in Pahang, and four each in Terengganu and Kelantan, with 45 more arrests and RM30.84mil in goods confiscated. He added that 18 Malaysians had been released on bail, while 27 foreign nationals remained in custody. Those detained included six Myanmar nationals, seven Bangladeshis, 12 Indonesians, and one each from Nepal and India. Azmi said 11 offences were identified during the operations, with investigations conducted under several laws, including the Immigration Act 1959/63, National Forestry Act 1984, Wood-Based Industries Enactment 1985, and the Minimum Standards of Housing, Accommodations and Employee Amenities Act. He noted that while some premises held valid operating licences, several had breached legal conditions. "In one case, early intelligence suggested non-compliance, but by the time of the raid, the operator had renewed their licence and rectified the issues, so no action was taken," he said. - Bernama
Barnama
27-05-2025
- Barnama
GOF Raids Sawmills Across Three States, Seizes Over RM97mln In Timber And Goods
KUANTAN, 27 May (Bernama) -- The Southeast Brigade of the General Operations Force (GOF), in collaboration with the Forestry Department, has seized timber and related goods worth over RM97 million following 32 raids on sawmills in Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang between Feb 11 and May 20. Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department director Datuk Seri Azmi Abu Kassim said the first two phases of 'Op Sawmill', a targeted initiative under the broader 'Op Bersepadu Khazanah', involved raids on 18 premises namely two in Terengganu and 16 in Kelantan. These led to the arrest of 53 individuals and the seizure of timber and equipment worth RM66.5 million. Phase three, he said, covered 14 raids on seven premises in Pahang, and four each in Terengganu and Kelantan, with 45 more arrests and RM30.84 million in goods confiscated. He added that 18 Malaysians had been released on bail, while 27 foreign nationals remained in custody. Those detained included six Myanmar nationals, seven Bangladeshis, 12 Indonesians, and one each from Nepal and India. Azmi said 11 offences were identified during the operations, with investigations conducted under several laws, including the Immigration Act 1959/63, National Forestry Act 1984, Wood-Based Industries Enactment 1985, and the Minimum Standards of Housing, Accommodations and Employee Amenities Act. He noted that while some premises held valid operating licences, several had breached legal conditions. 'In one case, early intelligence suggested non-compliance, but by the time of the raid, the operator had renewed their licence and rectified the issues, so no action was taken,' he said. -- BERNAMA
New Straits Times
27-05-2025
- New Straits Times
Massive timber raid nets RM97mil in seizures, dozens arrested
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.
