Sarawak All Out In Combating Illegal Logging - Adenan

Sarawak are going all out to eliminate illegal logging in the State and will continue to enhance and intensify our efforts until illegal logging menace is completely wiped out in the State.

Chief Minister Datuk Tan Sri Haji Adenan Satem said that, this is just the beginning in our determination to eliminate illegal logging and the opposition should support their initiatives rather than belittling our efforts in combating these illegal activities.

"We are determined to manage, protect and conserve our forest, not because we are under attack by foreign NGOs and other parties but more so because we believe that this is the right thing to do if we all care about Sarawak and our environment."

"For this reason, we are tackling these problems at all levels ranging from policy, legislation, process and procedures, systems and enforcement. We are serious in our efforts to transform the image and reputation of our forestry sector and timber industries as Sarawak aspires to become a leading player in sustainable forest management."

Adenan pointed out that, Sarawak is an important player in the international tropical timber and timber products. In fact, the timber industry is one of the economic sectors that contributed tremendously to the State’s economy for the past few decades. The timber sector will continue to grow and is occupying the fourth position in terms of export after LNG, petroleum and palm oil.

"We all know that illegal logging has serious implications on our environment, revenue and image of Sarawak in the world on how we manage our forest."

He said this in winding-up speech during the State Legislative Assembly Sitting at Petra Jaya, Kuching here today.

"Sarawak must manage and protect our forest well to ensure that our forest remain sustainable for future generation."

"Our policy has been very clear in respect to sustainable forest management but policy alone is insufficient if it is not followed up with effective implementation and strong enforcement."

"Therefore, we are going all out to eliminate illegal logging in the State. I am still not satisfied with the outcome of our efforts to date in eliminating illegal logging."

In terms of achievement, Adenan said that, 46,215 cubic meter of illegal logs were seized worth about RM14 million and a royalty of RM3 million in 2014.

"Out of 165 sawmills, 123 are active while 42 are non-operation where it is suspected that some of these inactive sawmills rely on the supply of illegal logs to support their operation. I would like to announce that the Government will no longer approve new sawmills to be setup within the timber concession areas."

"For this reason, I am happy to note that this august House has passed the Forest Bill 2015 to enhance protection of forests with tougher law against illegal logging. The Forest Bill is also to further improve forest conservation efforts in the State by empowering forest officers and increasing penalty for forest offences."

He said that, the introduction of Forest Bill 2015 is the manifestation of the State Government resolute commitment to strengthen forest management and taking into account the environment and welfare of the local community.

"We trust that with the implementation of this law will help us to combat and eliminate illegal logging in the State and improve our image in forest management in the world."

On the State's Sovereignty and Security, Adenan said that, the presence of illegal immigrants (PATI) is causing social, security and economic problems to the State.

"If left unchecked, these problems can affect the security and sovereignty of the State. As the numbers of PATI increased due to weak enforcement, they are becoming bolder by encroaching on our land and waters to exploit our rights over job and business opportunities as well as robbing the State of our precious resources."

"We have witnessed these in the recent incidences involving illegal fishing in Miri due to the abundance of fish in the State waters. As a result, the livelihood of our local fishermen is badly affected. They have raised numerous complaints to the relevant authorities but unfortunately, little action was taken until I have to step in to resolve this issue."

"Some PATI were even caught involved in prostitution, smuggling of illegal weapons and formed part of the squatter colonies in the State. Their health condition is also a concern because they are not screened as they come in illegally," he said that, their presence is also associated with the rise in contagious disease particularly tuberculosis (TB) which could pose serious health risk to our people.

"I wish to state here that I am not making any compromise on any issues that can affect the State security and sovereignty. I have directed all the relevant enforcement agencies to beef up, be firm and be bold to round up all the illegal immigrants."

He said that, stern actions must be taken to penalise employers who are hiring and harbouring illegal immigrants and since January 2015 until 22nd April 2015, a total of 781 PATI have been arrested by Immigration Department and from out of this total, 506 are Indonesians while 247 are Filipinos.

Adenan said that, besides illegal immigrants, we are also facing challenges in containing illegal activities such as cyber gambling, drug pushing and abuse and smuggling of goods.

"These illegal activities not only incurred losses to the State economy but are threats to our youths who are our future leaders and source of manpower. We are aware that the culprits are trying to escape the law but I can tell you that we are persistent in dealing with them."

He said that, Sarawak is well known for its religious and racial harmony and the various ethnic groups in Sarawak have co-existed peacefully and have high respect of each other’s religion, culture and tradition.

"This has been our uniqueness and will continue as our strength as we live together to enjoy the prosperity in this State. Therefore, we have all the rights to safeguard our unity by preventing racial and religious extremists from entering the State. I have said this in previous sittings and I will reiterate today and will continue to do so that I will not tolerate any racial or religious bigots and extremists from disrupting our harmony and peace which has been our longstanding pride," he added. - Sarawakiana