Sabah Dept denies illegal logging allegations by Sarawak Report

The Sabah Forestry Department has denied allegations in two articles published by Sarawak Report regarding illegal logging in the state.

The articles on the investigative journalism website are “Illegal Logging In Sabah”, which was published last Dec 1 and “Sabah Forestry Admits Log Extraction and Export - Says Timber is Disease Ridden” on Dec 3.

It said in a statement today that, in the second article, Sarawak Report falsely cited a press release issued by the department.

“This is an irresponsible act done with malicious intent by the Sarawak Report. The Sabah Forestry Department will lodge a police report,” read the statement.

Regarding the first article by Sarawak Report, that timber is being flushed out without proper dues being paid, the department said the allegation was incorrect.

On the “Ceratocystis wilt” outbreak, the Sabah Forestry Department said that in coordination with the Sabah Foundation, they are taking steps to contain and eliminate the threat posed by the disease.

It said the issue was discussed by the state legislative assembly at its sitting last month.

- Bernama

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