Charcoal worth over RM500,000 seized in Kelantan Forestry raid on factory

KOTA BHARU: The Kelantan Forestry Department raided an unlicensed charcoal factory in an industrial area in Gua Musang last Wednesday, where it seized 130 tonnes of high-quality charcoal worth over RM500,000.

Its director, Abdul Khalim Abu Samah said the raid was conducted by the Industrial and Harvesting Unit together with the South Kelantan Forestry Department after receiving a tip-off.

In the 11.30 am raid, the authorities also sealed 77 furnaces and machinery.

No arrests were made during the raid as the factory’s management cooperated but the name of the factory manager was included in the police report made by the Forestry Department for further investigation.

"Based on the initial information, the factory has been in operation for eight months and the charcoal produced is mainly for the overseas market.

“Among the importing countries are Australia, Kuwait and Turkey for heating purposes during winter, in addition to the local market,” he said when contacted yesterday.

Abdul Khalim said the factory had committed offences under Section 3(1) of the Wood-based Industries Enactment, whereby no one is allowed to occupy, erect, build, operate or maintain without permission (licence) from the state authorities and signed by the forestry director.

He said the charcoal produced were briquettes used as fuel and for kindling to start fires.

-- BERNAMA