Monday 23 November 2009

Organised Syndicates Behind Illegal Logging

November 23, 2009 16:40 PM

Organised Syndicates Behind Illegal Logging - Kurup

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 23 (Bernama) -- Organised syndicates using sophisticated communication and tontos (lookouts) are behind illegal logging in the country.

Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Tan Sri Joseph Kurup said the illegal loggers' modus operandi and strategy were revealed after intelligence work and investigation by the Forestry Department.

"Their modus operandi is organised, bold, involves outsiders (tontos), use sophisticated communication and diversion tactics," he said in reply to a question by Che Uda Che Nik (PAS-Sik) in Dewan Rakyat here on Monday.

Che Uda had asked why illegal logging could not be reduced or wiped out as the heavy machines deployed and logs make detection easy.

"We need assistance and cooperation from the public to inform us of illegal logging activities," Kurup said.

The government viewed illegal logging seriously due to the negative effects on biodiversity, forest quality and the environment and was always monitoring the situation.

He said as of Oct, the Forestry Department detected 76 cases of illegal logging and that 143 cases were detected last year.

-- BERNAMA

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