The General Operations Force (PGA) seized 600 rubber wood logs along with three lorries worth an estimated RM455,000 in an enforcement operation carried out yesterday after the timber was found being transported without valid permits.
The seizure was made under Op Taring Wawasan by Battalion 8 PGA at Kampung Tok Pelanduk at about 3.45pm yesterday.
Briged Tenggara PGA commander Senior Assistant Commissioner Ahmad Radzi Hussain said the operation was conducted after officers on patrol detected three lorries carrying timber in a suspicious manner.
He said checks revealed that all three drivers failed to produce valid timber transportation permits issued by the Forestry Department, resulting in their immediate arrest along with the seizure of the vehicles and cargo.
The three detained drivers are aged between 38 and 65.
Authorities estimated the total value of the seized timber and lorries at RM455,000, with the case being investigated under Section 84 of the National Forestry Act 1984.
Preliminary investigations found that the rubber wood originated from an orchard area in Lubok Stol, Rantau Panjang.
It is understood that the orchard owner holds a valid licence to sell rubber wood, which was being transported to a sawmill in Pasir Mas.
Investigators also revealed that the drivers were allegedly paid RM120 per trip for transporting the timber.
PGA stressed that transporting timber without valid permits is an offence and confirmed that monitoring and enforcement efforts will continue to curb illegal activities in the sector.
