Release of seized logs, machineries warrants MACC probe — PKR

MIRI: Parti Keadilan Rakyat ( PKR) Miri chairman Dr Michael Teo Yu Keng wants the Malaysian Anti- Corruption Commission ( MACC) to investigate the release of logs and machineries seized over alleged illegal logging activities in Bintulu.

The Miri MP claimed the release of the seized items worth about RM7 million showed that the government is not serious in tackling illegal logging activities.

“MACC should come in and investigate how logs and machineries seized earlier were later released,” he said during a press conference held here yesterday.

MACC should come in and investigate how logs and machineries seized earlier were later released. Dr Michael Teo Yu Keng, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Miri chairman

With him were PKR senior members Jemat Panjang and Peter Bong.

According to Dr Teo, when the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem was chief minister, illegal logging activities were brought to a halt and many sawmills were shut down because no illegal logs were supplied.

“Illegal logging activities have made a comeback and we can see many reports of illegal logs being seized by the authority concerned throughout the state.

“These illegal activities, if not tackled, will mushroom and the state will lose millions of ringgit,” he added.

He further alleged that the return of illegal logging was because the government was not serious in tackling the issue.

On a separate issue, Dr Teo suggested that Miri City Council create a children’s playground at the abandoned bus terminal in front of Emart, Tudan.

He said this followed complaints from parents in Tudan and Permyjaya that they have to travel to Taman Selera for their children to play there during weekends.