PASIR PUTEH, Aug 24 — Following a complaint lodged by the Orang Asli community in Gua Musang, the Kelantan Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has begun investigations into illegal logging activities there.

Its director, Datuk Moh Samsuddin Yusoff said based on complaints received, the case involved bribery in the form of cash, as well as supplies of rice and cigarettes from illegal loggers who intended to encroach the forest area near their village last month.

"We are currently determining the identity of the suspects offering the bribes. The Orang Asli’s practice not to accept bribes shows they are of high integrity.

"I hope other communities are also aware of the dangers of accepting bribes,” Moh Samsuddin told reporters when attending a seminar on the integrity of deforestation in the eastern zone (Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang)’ here today.

Also present at the event were state forestry department director, Zahari Ibrahim and state economic planning unit (UPEN) deputy director, Engku Rajhan Engku Ismail.

Meanwhile, Engku Rajhan said the Kelantan Government would repossess land ravaged by illegal settlers for development projects to benefit the people.

"For instance, for the Lojing Highlands in Gua Musang, we intend to develop it to be on par with Cameron Highlands.

"The Lojing Highlands was developed to become a tourist spot. Thus, the state government will take this opportunity to provide for its locals, including economic activity,” he added. — Bernama