Kuala lumpur: The Kelantan Forestry Department: seized heavy machinery, processing machines and 290 logs of various sizes and species, with an estimated total value of RM1.425 million, in a raid on a sawmill in Kampung Bukit Kecil, Tanah Merah today.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, General Operations Force (GOF) Southeast Brigade commander SAC Ahmad Radzi Hussain stated that the raid at about 2 pm was executed by the GOF 8th Battalion Intelligence team from Pengkalan Chepa, with assistance from the Tanah Merah District Forestry Department through 'Ops Taring Wawasan Kelantan'. During the operation, four men aged between 26 and 45, including a factory clerk, were detained to assist in the investigation.

The seized items included Caterpillar heavy machinery valued at approximately RM800,000, two band saw machines worth RM500,000, two cross-cut machines priced at RM70,000, 13 saw blades estimated at RM26,000, and 290 logs valued at RM29,000. Ahmad Radzi revealed in a statement today that while the factory clerk possessed a valid Wood-Based Industry Certificate valid until December 31, 2026, he failed to present a timber removal permit from the Forestry Department.

Further inspection by the Tanah Merah District Forestry Department suggested that the timber on the premises was untaxed, and the machinery was suspected to be used for processing the wood. Ahmad Radzi added that all suspects and the seized items were handed over to the Tanah Merah District Forestry Department for further action. The case is being investigated under Section 84 of the National Forestry Act 1984 (Act 313).