Aung Ye Ko Myanmar Eleven May 28, 2015 1:00 am
An officer checks logs seized by the forestry department./EMG
Timber smuggling has increased under the current administration because of a lack of cooperation with the Chinese and Myanmar's corruption, says Zaw Win, deputy director general of the forestry department.
Zaw Win told the media at the Ministry of Environmental Conservation and Forestry that bribery among high-ranking officials was common.He said the illegal timber trade was fuelled by Chinese demand and, although the forestry department was negotiating with the Chinese authorities, there had been no effective arrests.
"When in China, we told the regional authorities about the timber smuggling. They told us that they would settle the problem but we didn’t see any arrests," said Zaw Win.
The department said an increase in population, poverty, lack of job opportunities, weak rule of law in the border areas as well as equipment and vehicles available at low prices were factors forcing the smuggling.
About 160,000 tonnes has been seized during the last five financial years, he added.
Increasing arrests year after year had pushed the forestry department to admit it could not control the smuggling, Zaw Win said. Officials had subsequently been cooperating with the police, army and residents.
Early this year, the army arrested a Chinese timber smuggling team in Kachin State.
Zaw Win estimated the annual illegal timber trade to China amounted to US$100 billion.
In China, teak and padauk goes for Ks5 million per tonne and tamalan for more than Ks6 million. The rising value of the Chinese yuan against Myanmar kyat is driving further smuggling.
Illegal Chinese gangs are allegedly involved in the smuggling of timber from Katha District of northern Sagaing Region and Moemeik and Mabein of northern Shan State to China.
Kachin State is suffering from increasing deforestation and the loss and wildlife whose habitats are being destroyed.
Timber smuggling to China has been rising since 2000 with hill ranges along the border becoming totally deforested.
In a related development, the government is taking action against 700 employees from the forestry department to tackle timber smuggling.
"The department dismissed more than 2,000 employees under this administration. More than 700 employees are facing action in connection with timber smuggling," Zaw Win said.
Anyone found guilty of corruption would face dismissal and indictment, the Ministry of Environmental Conservation and Forestry official said.
According to the department's statistics, timber smuggling was rising because of corruption among government employees.
No details were given of charges against staff from other departments.
The authorities claim to have prosecuted forestry department staff in Katha District, Sagaing Region, in connection to smuggling cases exposed by a special operation.
Timber smuggling has increased during each year of the current administration with about 160,000 tonnes seized, according to the department.
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