The Sarawak government is considering using drones to monitor illegal logging activities in the state, said Chief Minister Adenan Satem.

Without elaborating further on the drones, he said the government would also not issue any more timber concessions.

“Enough with this broad daylight robbery of our timber. I will not tolerate it,” he said when speaking at a meet-the-people session at the Kapit Civic Centre today.

The state government had recently issued the Forestry Department with 29 four-wheel-drive vehicles and 50 shotguns for it to carry out its duty in combating illegal logging in the state.

Last year alone, about RM41.16 million worth of illegal logs were seized in Sarawak.

On another note he said, rural development would continue to be the focus of the state government.

He said those living in major towns had already enjoyed so many things in terms of development besides being able to handle themselves well.

“It is our policy to take care of the rural people’s interest as they still live in poverty,” he said.

- Bernama