PENGKALAN HULU: A logger has had his permit frozen after investigations found that he had encroached into other areas.

A total of 708 logs, worth RM270,000, logged from Air Sama Gagah, a stone’s throw away from the Malaysia-Thailand border, were seized at the Matau area government land here.

The logger, who has been detained for investigation under the National Forestry Act 1948, faces a fine of RM500,000, one year’s jail or both.

Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, who visited the site yesterday, said initial investigations found that the company which was given 70ha of logging permit, had encroached by another 60ha.

To a question, Dr Zambry said following investigations, it was found that the logger was also given a permit to log in other areas in the state.

“His permit to log at Air Sama Gagah expires on Feb 15,” he said.

Dr Zambry, who said that it was not easy to keep tabs on illegal logging activities in Perak, added that allocations have been given to the state Forestry Department to carry out aerial surveillance.