Malaysia has stepped up its efforts to stop illegally-felled Indonesia crossing its borders with a ban on imports of squared logs.

Last year the Malaysian government put a block on imports of Indonesian round logs. Its action followed claims by environmentalists and BBC tv reports that large quantities of illegal material were being brought into the country from Indonesia and being further processed for re-export as Malaysian timber.

The ban on logs stays in place, but now Malaysian primary industries minister Dr Lim Keng Yaik says the country needs to go a step further to prevent the contraband trade and protect Malaysia’s image in the international timber market.

“It should be stressed that our enforcement authorities have made a number or seizures involving boats carrying Indonesian logs. But unfortunately some international environmental watchdogs continue to focus their attention on Malaysia and label us as the laundering centre for Indonesian illegal timber.”

The latest ban, said Dr Lim, would demonstrate Malaysia’s seriousness in “totally curbing entry of Indonesian logs”.

&#8220Unfortunately some international environmental watchdogs continue to focus their attention on Malaysia and label us as the laundering centre for Indonesian illegal timber”

Dr Lim Keng Yaik

Under the new rule imports of Indonesian squared logs measuring over 60 square inches (large scantlings and squares (LSS)) will be banned from June 1.

“We will also ensure that import licences be issued only to importers who can show proof of bona fide export sources other than Indonesia,” said Dr Lim