According to sources, the graft busters were looking for certain licensing documents, having conducted raids in three timber offices belonging to well-connected individuals in Tawau and Sandakan yesterday.
The MACC officers also seized documents from the timber companies but it was unclear whether documents were also taken from the forestry department’s headquarters.
A source at the department confirmed that MACC officers had been to their office but was unsure if any documents were taken.
Sabah Conservator of Forests Sam Mannan could not be contacted as he is currently away attending a conference.
It was understood that the three companies raided belonged to Sabah tycoons who used their connections with the previous state government to obtain timber concessions across the state.
The raids came after Chief Minister Shafie Apdal banned the export of logs which, among others, was aimed at bringing down timber cartels that had monopolised the state’s timber industry for over a decade.
Shafie said that total control of the industry by one group had caused massive leakage and did not benefit the people and the economy.
Last month, a task force under the Chief Minister’s Department discovered more than 40,000 logs worth RM60 million, with unpaid taxes, in forests around Tongod, Sandakan, Ranau and Kalabakan.
Shafie also revealed that more than 10 companies were suspected of being involved, including government-linked companies and public-listed companies.