MACC freezes more bank accounts in 'Ops Gergaji'
The Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission's (MACC) fight against corruption and illegal logging saw 1,570 logs worth RM1 million seized at 49 locations throughout Sarawak under 'Ops Gergaji'.
MACC Investigation Department director Datuk Mohamad Jamidan Abdullah in a statement today said the commission would call the owner of the logging companies, sawmill owners where the logs were seized.
The MACC has also frozen 405 bank accounts of companies and individuals worth RM600 million, to facilitate investigations.
"We will investigate if the logging activities were carried out legally or illegally," he said in the statement.
Mohamad Jamidan said since 'Ops Gergaji' was initiated on May 12, 14 people, including directors and managers of sawmills and log ponds have been identified for investigations.
'Ops Gergaji' involves 400 personnel from MACC, Sarawak state government, police, Civil Defence Force, Forestry Department and Inland Revenue Board.
Meanwhile in Sibu, Sarawak Chief Minister Adenan Satem who had ordered a crackdown on illegal logging said the MACC must be cautious when freezing the accounts of companies involved in illegal logging activities.
"We do not want accounts of companies to be freezed simply because the livelihood of innocent workers may be affected because the companies will not be able to pay their salary," he said after closing a seminar for grassroots leaders at Dewan Suarah Sibu, today.
Adenan also warned community leaders to report all illegal logging activities in their respective areas.
"We are serious in wiping out illegal logging. I know some leaders are turning a blind eye on such activities. We will not condone leaders who are in cohorts with those carrying out such illegal activities," he said.
He added that it was the duty of the community leaders to safeguard their land from illegal logging.
- Bernama
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