January 4, 2022
PETALING JAYAEnvironmentalists are calling on the government to amend existing forestry laws. They claim that logging is responsible for the devastating landslides, floods and other natural disasters that struck the country last month.
Pertubuhan Pelindung Khazanah Alam Malaysia president Puan Sri Shariffa Sabrina Syed Akil suggested that the government amend or improve Act 313, National Forestry Act 1984 (Act 313), immediately to protect the Pertubuhan Peka against environmental criminals.
She said that the Act needs to be updated and standardised to give people fair protection. This includes safekeeping the country’s natural resource and increasing penalties for wrongdoers.
Shariffa also recommended that illegal logging and mining be stopped as soon possible, as it could have devastating consequences.
All mining permits currently in use and similar activities must be cancelled immediately.
Even with preparations to restore the area back to its natural state after a natural catastrophe, the risk of destruction is high, she said yesterday.
There was widespread discontent about images of muddy riverbeds and logjams, as well as logjams, in states like Pahang. These were allegedly caused deforestation. Satellite images of land clearing were also shared.
After allegations that logging was the cause, the Pahang Forestry Department denied that there had been any logging in the Lentang Forest Reserve, state land, and other land near Jalan Bentong Karak, on December 30, last year.
Shariffa stated that drainage must be improved in order to combat the worsening effects from climate change. He also recommended that flood mitigation infrastructure be constructed to prevent flooding from happening.
The environmental group stated that mandatory education about the importance of the natural world should be provided to all institutions at all levels.
Prof. Ahmad Ismail of Malaysian Nature Society said heavy rain was not the only factor that caused floods.
The area, type and amount of rainfall will have an impact on the impact.
Heavy rain can cause more damage. He stated that without trees, rainwater could flow down the slope quicker with muddy water.
He said that tree cutting not only caused natural disasters like soil erosion, flash floods, and mud floodings but also contributed to the loss biodiversity and habitat.
Prof Ahmad stated that logs were found in flood-stricken areas and that the source of the timber should be investigated.
Based on public observation of the flood event, we need further investigation. We also need to share with the public the reasons logs were washed downstream in the river and floating to houses, as shown via social media.
Aidil Iman Aidid (22-year-old youth environmental activist) said that the public can play an important role in protecting the environment by monitoring illegal logging, and deforestation.
He said that while the public can report these crimes directly to the forestry departments, it is also important to be vigilant and vocal about unsustainable legal projects.
Aidil also called on authorities to be accountable, as these are the core of any environmental governance.
