Reports by MARTIN CARVALHO, FATIMAH ZAINAL and ASHLEY TANG

       Culprits convicted of plundering, damaging or starting fires in the nation’s forest reserves will be punished with heavier fines and longer jail terms.

       Illegal loggers, for instance, are looking at a minimum of five to 20 years in jail and fines of up to RM1mil if convicted.

       This comes after the government tabled proposed amendments to the National Forestry Act to increase penalties for offences committed in forest reserves.

       Among the key amendments involved Section 86 for heavier penalties for defacing trees or altering forest boundaries for illegal logging purposes.

       Those convicted of such offences face a jail term of not less than five years to a maximum of 20 years, including a RM1mil fine.

       The current laws impose a minimum of one year to a maximum 20-year jail term, and a fine not exceeding RM500,000, on convicted offenders.

       Also increased are penalties against those found in possession, custody or control of any forest produce whose removal was done without payment of royalty, premium or other charges.

       The heavier punishment under Section 84 includes an increased fine of not more than RM200,000 and 10 years’ jail; compared to the current penalties of RM50,000 and five years in jail.

       Those guilty of starting fires in forest reserves will feel the heat as well.

       Offenders under Section 82, who start fires or leave fires burning within a permanent reserve forest in such a manner as to endanger the area, may face a maximum RM100,000 fine and seven years’ jail.

       Meanwhile, those convicted of littering at forest reserves under proposed amendments to Section 83 face penalties of a fine of up to RM20,000 including three years in jail.

       The current punishment for the two offences ranges between maximum fines of RM10,000 and RM50,000, including jail terms of between three to five years.

       Penalties for general offences such as trespassing, grazing livestock, damaging trees including hunting or setting traps in forest reserves without approval will also be increased.

       Those convicted for such offences are liable to fines ranging between RM20,000 and RM50,000, including jail terms between three and seven years.

       The amendments were proposed by Energy and Natural Resources Deputy Minister Datuk Ali Biju who tabled the National Forestry (Amendment) Bill 2022 in Dewan Rakyat for its first reading yesterday.

       He told the House that the Bill will be read for the second time and passed during the meeting.

       Dewan Rakyat meeting, which began on Feb 28, will end on March 24.