However, the culprits were successful in evading the authorities who were acting on a tip off.
The logs of various species and sizes were identified as illegally felled due to the lack of official markings and the site not in or near any licensed area for logging, the SFC said in a statement.
“Regretfully, the culprits had fled the scene and had taken with them the equipment used in the illegal operation.
“Very recent vehicular tracks on the ground revealed that a lorry and heavy machinery had made a hurried exit from the site,” read the statement.
SFC acknowledged the need for improvements in carrying out enforcement efforts so that more illegal loggers could be caught red-handed at the crime scene.
Since taking office in 2014, Chief Minister Adenan Satem has taken a tough stance against illegal logging by ceasing the issuance of timber concessions and commercial plantation licences.
In January, Adenan said the state government’s firm actions had borne fruit with some 36 illegal sawmills shutting down because there were no more raw materials and stolen logs.