Firewood sellers arrested in Riyadh

RIYADH: The Special Forces for Environmental Security (SFES) have arrested firewood sellers in Riyadh for violating the forest and rangeland law that forbids logging, and regulations prohibiting the sale or transport of local firewood, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

Spokesman Maj. Raed Al-Maliki said the SFES monitors the marketing, selling and transport of local firewood, and everything shared on online platforms in this regard.

He added that the goal is to take legal measures against violators of environmental regulations to protect vegetative cover.

Al-Maliki said the SFES and relevant security sectors, in cooperation with the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, will apply the penalties stipulated by law against anyone who trades or transports local firewood or charcoal. This includes a fine of between SR10,000 ($2,666) and SR50,000 per ton.

He urged citizens and residents to preserve the country’s environmental capabilities and avoid logging as it damages natural resources, rangelands, forests and parks, endangers trees and increases desertification.