2 new laws to replace Internal Security Act

The Internal Security Act (ISA) – is to be repealed some 50 years after it was first drawn up, in its place will be two anti-terror laws, not unlike the ones drawn up in the USA and Britain to handle terrorists, violent criminals and subversive elements.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the new laws would be in line with Article 149 of the Federal Constitution and promised Malaysians that no one would be detained due to their political ideology.

“In my maiden speech when I took over as Prime Minister, I promised that the ISA would undergo a comprehensive review. As such, I would like to announce on this historic night that the Act will be abolished.

“Two new laws will be enacted to maintain peace, harmony and prosperity. The laws that will be formulated will take into account basic rights and freedom based on the Federal Constitution. Above all, the Government will ensure the rights of those involved will be protected,” he said.

Najib said the new laws would provide for a substantially shorter detention period. Any further extension to the detention could be made by a court order, except for those laws related to terrorism, which would remain under the relevant minister’s purview.

“The Government is also giving its commitment that no individual will be detained purely based on political ideology. In a modern day democracy, there must be a balance between national security and individual freedom; this is the responsibility of the Government, whose highest aim is to uphold people’s welfare and harmony."

He said although freedom of expression was guaranteed under the Federal Constitution, this did not mean that anyone could commit slander or stoke hatred.

Flying Squad to curb illegal logging

Flying Squad in Forestry Department Peninsular Malaysia is the forest law enforcement unit to in curb illegal logging. Assessment of the effectiveness of existing controls to estimate the level of illegal logging is based on data.

According to Datuk Razani Ujang, Director General of Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia, from 2006 until 2009, a total of 144 people were arrested for involvement in illegal logging activities, while 226 units of machinery and heavy equipment were seized by the Enforcement Division of the Forestry Department.

Datuk Razani Ujang, Director General of Forestry Dept. Peninsular M'sia

Compound collections that have been imposed on offenders were RM11.2 million.

Under the law, all forest produce are the property of the State Authorities and only those with permission are allowed to enter and extract the forest produce.

Forests are under the responsibility of the states as enshrined in the Malaysian Federal Constitution. Under Article 74(12) of the Federal Constitution, land and forest ownership and management is the responsibility of the State governments.

The executive authority of the Federal Government only extends to the provision of advice and technical assistance to the States, training and the conduct of research, unless the State agrees to delegate some of their authority to the Federal Government.

However, the Federal Government is responsible for trade policies, import and export controls and international cooperation among others. The Enforcement Unit at the Forestry Department Peninsular Malaysia coordinates and supports the enforcement actions undertaken by the Forest Operations Division at the State Forest Departments of Peninsular Malaysia only.

Zahari Ibrahim, head of Flying Squad

The challenge of sustainability management of production forests faces highly complex processes. It is interesting to note that Forestry Department has taken various measures in curbing illegal logging.

Let’s see what Datuk Razani Ujang, Director General of Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia and Zahari Ibrahim, head of Flying Squad said about the modus operandi on Corporate Illegal Logging and the issues to the Star, the biggest circulation newspaper in Malaysia.

Read the full article below:

http://mstar.com.my/kolumnis/cerita.asp?file=%2F2011%2F7%2F18%2Fmstar_kolum_khabarnya%2F20110718101827&sec=mstar_kolum_khabarnya

http://mstar.com.my/mingguan/cerita.asp?file=%2F2011%2F7%2F19%2Fmstar_mingguan%2F20110719112155&sec=mstar_mingguan

Illegal logging VS Law of Jungle

The issue of illegal logging whiles primarily an issue in the law enforcement world but has emerged as a very hot topic.

The issue seems to be receiving more public attention lately due to the occurring of global warming which resulting the awareness of the environmental issues not only gains its momentum but become social agenda.


Datuk Razani Ujang, Director General of Forestry Dept. Peninsular M'sia

The logging protocol defines illegal logging as the harvest, transportation, purchase or sale of timber in violation of laws. It is a pervasive problem; it not only destroys the country’s unique rainforests, but also causes a series of environmental problems including flooding, local communities and to the economies of the country.

The activities contribute to deforestation and by extension global warming causes loss of biodiversity and undermines the rule of law. These illegal activities undermine responsible forest management, encourage corruption and tax evasion and reduce the income of the country, further limiting the resources that can be invested in sustainable development.

The seriousness and negative impact of the economic and social implications for the poor and disadvantaged shouldn’t be overlooked. Malaysia has been blessed with an abundance of tropical rainforests. Many forested areas in Malaysia have been designated as National Parks and forest reserves.

Many Malaysians might not be aware that the forests that they are so used to is actually complex ecosystems that are filled with an assortment of plant life and wildlife. Malaysia has always done its best in fighting against illegal logging.

It is interesting to note that Forestry Department has taken various measures to overcome the problems. Let’s see what Datuk Razani Ujang, Director General of Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia responding to the problem and says about the issues in the Star, the biggest circulation newspaper in Malaysia…

Read the full article below:

http://mstar.com.my/mingguan/cerita.asp?file=/2011/7/19/mstar_mingguan/20110719113620&sec=mstar_mingguan

mStar Online : Flying Squad Jabatan Hutan

mStar Online : Flying Squad Jabatan Hutan

mStar Online : Pembalakan haram didalangi rangkaian sindiket

mStar Online : Pembalakan haram didalangi rangkaian sindiket

mStar Online : Tonto di tepi, di pinggir dan di dalam hutan

mStar Online : Tonto di tepi, di pinggir dan di dalam hutan