The Kelantan Forestry Department has arrested three men over suspicions of encroachment into the Sungai Terah permanent forest reserve in Gua Musang, Kelantan since two years ago to set up a ketum plantation.
State Forestry director Abdul Khalim Abu Samah, at a press conference in Kota Bharu this afternoon, said all three suspects, aged between 25 and 33, were arrested in a dilapidated hut at 10am yesterday, following a public tip-off and the department's intelligence.
He said the raiding team initially found two unconscious suspects believed to be under the influence of drugs, while the third later arrived on a motorcycle as they were wrapping up.
"The (third) suspect claimed he entered the area to look for his two friends. All three were taken to the Gua Musang district police station for investigations under Section 47(1) and Section 81(1) of the Forestry Act 1984," he said, adding that the authorities also found a rifle and three live bullets.
Abdul Khalim said the suspects were found to have committed an unlawful activity that is forest reserve encroachment for the purpose of cultivating hundreds of ketum plants, aside from durian and rubber trees.
"The suspects were also found to be in a permanent forest reserve area without valid permission from the Kelantan Forestry Department," he added.
He said the encroached area comprises more than one hectare of forest reserve land, planted with mostly ketum plants, along with rubber, durian and banana trees.
"We believe the ketum plants are for sale, including to the neighbouring country, because its price can go up to RM100 per kilo," said Abdul Khalim. - Mkini
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