3 detained for possessing tree off-cuts without permit

 

Department's director Abdul Khalim Abu Samah (right) said the handcrafted tree off-cuts were seized because the three did not have any permit to transport the wood waste out from the jungle. - NSTP/SHARIFAH MAHSINAH ABDULLAH

TANAH MERAH: Kelantan Forestry Department detained three men and seized 12 tonnes of handcrafted tree off-cuts in three separate operations here and in Rantau Panjang recently.

The handcrafted pieces were made from tree trunks, tree bases and stumps of the Merbau, Tembusu and Balau timber species.

Department's director Abdul Khalim Abu Samah said the operations were conducted between April 29 and May 1.

He said the handcrafted tree off-cuts were seized because the three did not have any permit to transport the wood waste out from the jungle.

initial investigation showed that the three have made various types of home furniture and other handcrafted items for commercial purpose. - NSTP/SHARIFAH MAHSINAH ABDULLAH.

"The operations were carried out separately in Jalan Machang-Tanah Merah and Jalan Lama Pasir Mas-Rantau Panjang.

"It started around noon at a factory and two premises based on public tip-offs on individuals who had bought tree trunks, tree base and tree stumps sold by local villagers.

"Our initial investigation showed that the three have made various types of home furniture and other handcrafted items for commercial purpose," he told a Press conference here today.

Abdul Khalim said an initial investigation showed that the products were sold to the public between RM1,500 to RM4,000 depending on their size and design.

He added the three including a factory owner, all locals in their 40s, were being held for further investigations. - NST