In response to an article published by a local daily on Monday (Nov 27), the Sabah Forestry Department has denied allegations questioning the legality of logging activities in Sipitang. Chief Conservator of Forests Datuk Frederick Kugan clarified that the activities in question were related to land clearing for agricultural development in a 3,473.8 acre area owned by Sabah Land Development Board (SLDB) at Kampung Iburu.
Kugan further explained that the logged areas were within two blocks totaling 960.6 acres. He emphasized that the logs from this land clearing had been removed after royalty was cleared and the relevant permit (Form IIB) was issued by the Forestry Department.
Following the publication of the article, Kampung Maligan villagers raised concerns about the logging activities, alleging that they were carried out by several companies and had caused extensive damage to the roads in the area. A photograph of a lorry laden with planks, overturned by the roadside, was also included in the report.
However, based on their investigation, the Sabah Forestry Department found that the overturned lorry incident occurred at Maligan-Mendulong public road. The planks were legally produced by a mill near the village, which is located at Kg Mengayam and not Kg Iburu as reported.
Kugan elaborated that the incident with the lorry occurred on Sept 4, and the company operator had returned on the same day to pull the lorry and fix the damage on the road, in accordance with the conditions set by the district Public Works Department (PWD).
He assured the public that the logging operations within SLDB land were for agriculture purposes and that the mill’s operations were following regulations. As of Oct 9, 1,296 logs equivalent to 1,979.63 cubic meters had been extracted from the SLDB land, with all royalties and other payments cleared.
Kugan also mentioned that the logs would be sent to three other mills in Keningau and Kimanis when the weather recovers and based on permission from relevant parties.
