Forest-related crimes will now attract harsher penalties and broader enforcement as the government rolls out the amended Forest Act of 2025, which strengthens powers of arrest, investigation, and prosecution in an effort to curb deforestation.
Penalties under the new law have been significantly increased, with illegal charcoal trafficking now attracting up to 10 years’ imprisonment and fines of up to K10 million.
Industries using forest produce without permits face penalties of up to K50 million or 20 years in prison, while illegal entry into protected forests and cutting down protected trees carry custodial sentences and heavy fines.
The amendments also expand enforcement beyond forestry officers and police to include agencies such as the Malawi Defence Force, National Parks and Wildlife, Immigration, and the Malawi Revenue Authority.
Forest officers have further been granted authority to conduct criminal investigations and, under strict conditions, to use firearms during arrests, rescues, or situations involving imminent danger.
Acting Director of Forestry Teddie Kamoto said the Ministry of Natural Resources had engaged the media to help raise public awareness of the changes, noting that journalists remain the fastest link between government policy and citizens.
Kamoto said the media briefing held on Wednesday was aimed at explaining the Forest Amendment Act of 2025, which he described as largely clarifying and strengthening existing provisions to improve implementation.
Originally enacted in 1997 and amended in 2017 and 2020, the Forest Act has been revised again to address long-standing operational challenges that had weakened forest protection efforts, he said.
