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.