While the neighbouring Philippines battles a major storm, believed to have been caused by illegal logging, Indonesia and Malaysia have struck a deal to fight the menace. During a recent state visit of Malaysian deputy prime minister Najib Razak to Indonesia, the two countries agreed to establish designated sea ports for the passage of timber. The problem of illegal timber trade is very acute in Indonesia, where it is difficult to control the activity in the vast tracks of Papua, Sumatra and Borneo forests. Indonesian officials had arrested 15 Malaysians earlier this year for their alleged involvement in illegal logging in Papua.
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