GOF raids Kuala Krai timber mill, seizes RM2.32mil in suspected untaxed logs

KUALA KRAI – The General Operations Force (PGA) raided a timber processing mill believed to be using untaxed forest produce at Sungai Embak here two days ago under Op Bersepadu Khazanah.

In the 3pm raid, the PGA detained five men aged between 31 and 62 and seized various equipment as well as timber estimated to be worth RM2.32 million.

Southeast Brigade Commander Senior Assistant Commissioner Ahmad Radzi Hussain said that when the raid was carried out, personnel found one man operating heavy machinery loading timber onto a trailer, while four others were cutting timber inside the mill.

"The mill owner then produced a valid Wood-Based Industry Certificate for the period of Jan 1 to Dec 31, 2026," he said in a statement yesterday.

"However, the Machang District Forestry Department, which was called to the location, confirmed that the timber found in the mill compound was believed to be untaxed, before further inspection uncovered various other materials and equipment on the premises," he added. (Quotes translated from Malay.)

Ahmad Radzi said preliminary investigations found that the man who claimed to be the mill owner told police the premises had been operating since April and was rented at RM4,000 a month.

The owner also told investigators that the timber supply was obtained from local residents, but the timber was believed to be untaxed, raising suspicion that the supply had been sourced illegally.

"The processed timber supply is believed to have been distributed in stages to several wood pallet processing mills around Kelantan according to customer demand, for marketing and supply to the local market and the industrial sector," he said.

Investigations are continuing.