PEKAN, PAHANG, MALAYSIA February 11, 2026 – The Peninsular Malaysia Forestry Department (JPSM) has launched “Ops Limau 2026”, an integrated enforcement operation aimed at protecting the nation’s forest resources amid heightened demand for timber and wood-based products during the Chinese New Year season.
The operation, which runs from 11 to 27 February 2026, involves close collaboration between JPSM and state forestry departments. It features coordinated patrols, continuous monitoring, and systematic enforcement actions to ensure compliance with forestry laws and curb illegal activities.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony here today, JPSM Director-General Dato’ Haji Zahari bin Ibrahim highlighted the department’s success in 2025, where 304 forest offence cases were resolved, resulting in 491 arrests involving both local and foreign nationals across Peninsular Malaysia.
“Of these, 447 were Malaysian citizens and 44 were foreigners,” he said, adding that 75 cases were detected through scheduled patrols conducted jointly with district and state enforcement units.
The foreign nationals arrested comprised 13 from Myanmar, 11 from Indonesia, six from Bangladesh, three each from Vietnam and China, and two each from Cambodia, Kenya, and Pakistan. All cases were acted upon under relevant forestry laws and regulations.
Dato’ Zahari explained that Ops Limau 2026 is a proactive response to the seasonal surge in demand for timber products, which often increases the risk of illegal logging, smuggling, and other forestry violations.
“The operation ensures that the extraction, transportation, and trade of forest products are carried out legally, while also playing a key role in preventing illegal logging and smuggling during the festive period,” he said.
He emphasised that the initiative aligns with the MADANI government’s commitment to good governance, integrity, and sustainable management of natural resources for current and future generations.
Dato’ Zahari also stressed that forest conservation is a shared responsibility, urging industry players, local communities, and the public to support enforcement efforts by reporting suspicious activities through JPSM’s official channels.
Also present at the event were Deputy Director-General (Policy and Planning) Dato’ Haji Roslan bin Rani and Deputy Director-General (Operations and Technical) Dato’ Mohd Radhi Chu bin Abdullah.
The operation underscores JPSM’s ongoing efforts to strengthen federal-state coordination and bolster enforcement as a cornerstone of sustainable forest management in Malaysia.
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