Malaysia: Eliminating corruption the first step in halting illegal logging

Source:
ITTO/Fordaq
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Illegal logging, which has cost the country millions of ringgit in losses in taxes and revenue, is the latest target of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

Investigators will be focusing on this issue after tackling illegal land clearing, bauxite mining and unlicensed factories.

MACC Deputy Chief Commissioner, Azam Baki, said illegal logging activities must be stopped as this causes severe damage to the forest eco-system. Azam said the main focus of investigations will be on elements of corruption and abuse of power involving enforcement agencies, their officers and logging companies.

In November 2014, the then Sarawak Chief Minister, Adenan Satem, declared war on illegal logging, saying Sarawakians must not tolerate corruption adding that Sarawk had earned a bad reputation internationally because of illegal forest activities.

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