Forest Department Sarawak (FDS) enforcement team is on the prowl to ensure timber-related operators comply with all rules and regulations.

During the latest operation here on May 16, the team seized hewn timber worth an estimated RM25,000.

The team also sealed a band saw at the premises after the owner failed to produce any document to prove legality of the machines installed.

The case is being investigated by the department.

The team also seized about RM10,000 worth of hewn timber from a mill at 32rd Mile Kuching/Serian road.

One bandsaw at the premises was sealed.

The owner failed to produce any document to prove legality of the premises.

Both cases are being investigated by FDS.

The same operation will be carried out in other regions to ensure timber industry operators comply with the rules and regulations.

A sawmill is defined as any factory or premises where timber is cut, sawn, hewn or converted into smaller sizes or marketable products, including any machinery, equipment or plant for the manufacturer of veneer, plywood, moulding or other products from timber.

Those who operate sawmills or band saws on their premises need to obtain sawmill licences from FDS. Failure to do so will lead to their band saw being sealed and their operation halted.

And those holding valid sawmill licences must ensure that their supply of logs or timber are from legal sources.

Source:
courtesy of THE BORNEO POST

by Jude Toyat

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