TAWAU: A local man was arrested by authorities for possession of 0.75 kilogram of Gaharu or Agarwood wood on Wednesday.
Chief Conservator of Forests Frederick Kugan said the arrest was made during an operation involving the General Operation Force, the Forestry Department and Wildlife Department in Luasong, Maliau and Imbak Canyon areas.
“Investigation believed the suspect had taken out the Gaharu wood from the forest reserve.
“The operation team also seized a baby Tragulus (pelanduk), freshwater fish, bullets and other equipment,” he said in a statement on Thursday.
Frederick added the suspect, a local, had been handed to the Keningau police station for further action.
Meanwhile, Frederick said Gaharu wood is a protected and endangered species in Sabah.
He said prior to this case, the Sabah Forestry Department had made a series of arrests in Deramakot, Tawau and Sandakan.
“Based on the investigation records, the Gaharu wood thieves are believed to be masterminded by foreigners who encroached into Sabah, while we also believe several locals were involved as either agents or suppliers of food to the foreign thieves.
“It is difficult to detect these thieves’ movements as they enter the forest by foot.
“But through operations such as Operasi Bersepadu Khazanah, we believe we are able to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future,” he said.
Anyone caught stealing Gaharu wood can be charged under the Forest Enactment 1968 which carries a fine of up to RM500,000 or imprisonment of up to 20 years.