Sabah Forestry Department refutes viral claims of illegal logging in Sook

SANDAKAN (March 28): The Sabah Forestry Department has refuted viral allegations circulating on digital platforms claiming that logs and logging machinery worth tens of millions of ringgit seized during an enforcement operation in Sook were linked to illegal logging activities.

Chief Conservator of Forests Zulkifli Suara stressed that the claims were inaccurate and misleading.

“The allegations are not true and have caused confusion among the public,” he said in a statement on Friday to clarify the matter.

Zulkifli explained that a thorough investigation found the log storage site (stumping area) at Mile 63, Nabawan–Sapulut Road to be a temporary collection centre approved by the Sabah Forestry Department.

He said the logs in question were legally harvested under Licence Block YK2/2023 (NFM) belonging to Yayasan Sabah (Rakyat Berjaya Sdn Bhd).

“The logging operations in the area were carried out in accordance with Sustainable Forest Management principles and employed the Reduced Impact Logging (RIL) method,” he said.

Further investigations also confirmed that all the logs had been recorded in the Check Scaling (CS) forms, an official government document used for royalty assessment and payment.

He added that the movement of the logs was supported by valid transit passes issued by Sabah Forestry Department officers.

Zulkifli also said that 28 units of logging machinery seized during the operation were found to be properly registered with both the Road Transport Department and the Sabah Forestry Department, in compliance with regulatory requirements.

However, he noted that the investigation did uncover administrative non-compliance involving the transfer of logs from the licensed area, specifically the absence of property hammer marks and official inspection hammer marks by the department.

“This offence does not constitute illegal logging. The licensee has been fined in accordance with the terms of the licence,” he said.

Zulkifli advised the public not to speculate or spread unverified information, especially on social media, as it could create confusion and tarnish the state’s forest management image.

He added that the department remains committed to strengthening enforcement to ensure the protection of Sabah’s forest resources and that all logging activities are carried out in accordance with laws and regulations.