Sabah dept to file report over illegal logging claim by whistleblower site Posted on 06/12/2024 The Sabah forestry department said it has been collecting royalties from the extraction of Acacia mangium trees in accordance with the Forest Rules 1969. (Wikipedia pic) PETALING JAYA: The Sabah forestry department will file a police report over whistleblower blog Sarawak Report’s allegations of illegal logging and an ongoing timber disease in the state. Its chief conservator, Frederick Kugan, rubbished the allegations and said the website had cited a false press release purportedly released by the department. He added that Sarawak Report’s actions were irresponsible and malicious, Daily Express reported. “The allegation by Sarawak Report that timber is being flushed out without proper dues being paid is incorrect. The department has been collecting royalties from the extraction of Acacia mangium trees in accordance with the Forest Rules 1969. “On the outbreak of the ceratocystis wilt disease, the Sabah forestry department, in coordination with the Sabah Foundation, is taking steps to contain and eliminate the threat posed by this disease,” he was quoted as saying. On Dec 1, Sarawak Report claimed there was illegal logging taking place in Sipitang, with lines of trucks allegedly sighted, laden with logs. Two days later, it claimed the “extraction” of the Acacia trees was due to their infection with a timber disease. News
US plane hit by gunfire on Dallas runway Posted on 16/11/2024 The Southwest Airlines plane was due to fly to Indianapolis when it was hit. (EPA Images pic) WASHINGTON: A Southwest Airlines plane was hit by gunfire while taking off from an airport in the US city of Dallas today, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said. “While taxiing for take-off at… Read More
France’s Macron slams calls to resign as ‘political fiction’ Posted on 04/12/2024 Several prominent opposition figures and some from Emmanuel Macron’s faction have suggested resignation may be his only viable option. (EPA Images pic) RIYADH: French president Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday rejected calls to resign to break a political impasse in the country, saying such a scenario amounted to “political fiction”. “It… Read More
Greece faced 9,500 forest fires this year, says minister Posted on 11/12/2024 Firefighters tackle a wildfire near Sofiana, Corinthia, Greece, in October 2024. (EPA Images pic) ATHENS: About 9,500 forest fires, including one on the outskirts of Athens, consumed nearly 44,500ha of land this year, Greece’s hottest and driest on record, an official said on Tuesday. Wildfires are common in the eastern… Read More