GOF southeast brigade commander Ahmad Radzi Hussain said the raids were conducted under the integrated “operation khazanah”, with individuals at three locations in Pahang and five in Kelantan found to have committed offences under the National Forestry Act 1984 and the Immigration Act 1959/63.

“In three raids in Gambang, Pahang, various wood-processing machines and timber worth over RM1.9 million were seized, while nine workers were detained,” he said in a statement.

He said in two raids in Machang, Kelantan, the GOF seized timber and wood-processing machines worth over RM5.4 million, and detained four workers.

In two more raids in Gual Ipoh, Tanah Merah, the GOF seized timber and wood-processing machines worth over RM5 million, and detained 17 workers.

Radzi said they also raided a timber factory near Batu Melintang, Jeli, and seized various machines, equipment and logs worth RM3.1 million, in addition to detaining four workers.