Illegal loggers trespassing oil palm plantation to log forest

A KOTA Tinggi oil palm plantation worker is claiming that illegal loggers have invaded his plantation, destroying his palm trees and using his amenities to make their way into the Kota Tinggi permanent forest reserve at Sungai Johor near Kampung Guntung Nanas.

The worker, who only wanted to be known as Shamsuddin, said the relevant authorities should take action immediately. He lodged a police report on Sept 26 and a report with the Forestry Department on Sept 29.

He said there were heaps of logs kept at his plantation, which is just metres away from the forest.

"So far, about 20ha of the mangrove forest about 10m away from the Jalan Desaru-Kota Tinggi junction have been illegally logged.

"Several of my oil palm trees were felled without my permission to make a route into the forest.

"At first, I just ignored it.

"But the situation has worsened as these irresponsible loggers have cut down more trees and made the ground muddy because of the rainy weather and their heavy vehicles which leave tracks on the ground.

"They also misused a hut in my plantation and used its amenities as though the plantation belonged to them.

"I was shocked to receive a water bill amounting to RM250," he added.

Johor Baru Forestry Department officer Rajihan Rahim confirmed that a report was lodged.

Rajihan said about 0.4ha of Shamsuddin's plantation was trespassed.

He said that enforcement officers from the department will continue to monitor the situation. He added that those found intruding into Johor's 3,919ha permanent forest reserve at Sungai Johor face a RM500,000 fine and 20 years' imprisonment.

By Jassmine Shadiqe