Latest news with #OpSawmill
BusinessToday
2 days ago
- Business
- BusinessToday
Classita Appoints Former IGP Tan Sri Razarudin As Executive Chairman
Classita Holdings Bhd has announced the appointment of former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Razarudin Husain @ Abd Rasid as its new Independent and Non-Executive Chairman, effective today. Tan Sri Razarudin, 62, retired as Malaysia's 14th IGP in June 2025 after more than 40 years of service in the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM). He is recognised for his firm leadership, operational expertise, and dedication to institutional transformation, particularly in narcotics enforcement, border security, and talent development. Starting his career as a Cadet Inspector on 27 December 1982, Razarudin steadily rose through the ranks, serving in various senior roles including District Police Chief, Director of the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (NCID), and Deputy IGP. He assumed the top police post in June 2023, where he championed modernisation efforts and enhanced professional standards within the force. His tenure saw the introduction of diploma-level qualifications for police constables, plans for a dedicated police university in collaboration with Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), and strengthened international security ties with the Australian Federal Police and China's security agencies. Razarudin also oversaw major national enforcement operations, such as Op Hazard, which uncovered RM2.8 billion worth of e-waste smuggling; Op Sawmill, which seized RM97.3 million in illegal logging; and the dismantling of a child exploitation and cult syndicate linked to GISB Holdings. He holds a Master's degree in Social Science (Policing Studies) and a Diploma in Investigation Science, both from UKM.
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.
