KOTA BARU – The Kelantan Forestry Department raided an unlicensed charcoal factory in an industrial area in Gua Musang on 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 after receiving a tip-off.
In the 11.30am swoop, the authorities also sealed 77 furnaces and machinery.
However, no arrests were made as the factory’s management cooperated, but the name of the factory manager was included in the report made by the 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 for heating purposes during winter.
“Among the importing countries are Australia, Kuwait and Turkey, in addition to the local market,” he said when contacted today.
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 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, December 25, 2020
