Its director, Azmi Nordin, said that during the 11am raid, 12 units of heavy equipment used for logging were also confiscated.

He said two hectares of the forest belonging to a cooperative were cleared by an appointed contractor without a valid permit or licence.

“During the raid, 12 of their workers were in the midst of cutting the trees and they tried to stop us from making the arrests. We have lodged a police report against them for obstructing public officers in discharging their duties.

“However, we managed to seize various types of heavy equipment worth RM1.5 million and logs, including of Meranti wood, estimated to be worth RM500,000,” he told a press conference today.

Azmi said the activity was believed to have taken place over the past week following high demand for the logs.

“This is the biggest seizure so far this year,” he said, adding that the case was being investigated under Section 81(2) of the National Forestry Act 1924.

– BERNAMA