19-06-2025
Encroaching mangrove in Lahad Datu: Man held
Published on: Thursday, June 19, 2025
Published on: Thu, Jun 19, 2025
By: Azmie Lim Text Size: The house as well as crops planted by the suspect. LAHAD DATU: A 59-year-old local was detained for allegedly encroaching into a forest reserve here, Tuesday, during an Op Bakar by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) and the Forestry Department. Lahad Datu Maritime Zone Director, Maritime Commander Dzulfikhar, said they discovered that about five acres have been trespassed and opened illegally.
Advertisement Among the activities conducted included cutting down mangrove trees, open burning and planting of oil palm trees, fruits and vegetables. 'A house and a building structure for bird nests were also built in the area without permission. 'The man, suspected of committing an offence under the Forest Enactment 1968, was handed over to the Forestry Department for further investigation,' he said. According to Dzulfikhar, the implementation of integrated operations such as the Op Bakar is an important step in ensuring forest reserves, coastal areas and waters remain protected without any invasion. 'The collaborative approach not only aims at protecting the natural ecosystem but also ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our national waters,' he said. He added that the Lahad Datu Maritime Zone will further strengthen strategic cooperation with other enforcement agencies in efforts to intensify security and enforcement control. He urged the public to channel any information to the Lahad Datu Maritime Zone via Whatsapp at 016-9305727 or 999. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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