The proposed trans-Peninsula pipeline from Kedah to Kelantan could spell disaster for one of our few remaining wilderness areas and the animals it protects.

The Belum-Temengor rain forest, which extends from northern Perak into southern Thailand, is the largest remaining area of equatorial rain forest in mainland Asia. It is home to healthy populations of tigers, elephants, tapirs and many other animals. At certain times of the year, one can see spectacular flocks of hornbills, numbering hundreds of individuals. Indeed, the forest is home to ten hornbill species, more than can be seen anywhere else in tropical Asia.

The Malaysian Nature Society, has spearheaded a campaign to protect this area and ensure that it is well-managed. Over 80,000 signatures were collected and in 2007, the Perak government took a huge step in the right direction, when it declared the northern part of the forest as the Royal Belum State Park. The campaign continues, focusing on protecting the rest of Belum-Temengor. However, the proposed trans-Peninsula pipeline would sever this forest in two, and divide animal populations on either side.

Large animals, like elephants and tigers, require large areas of rain forest to support them. Basic physics determines that because they are big, they have to roam over a wide area to find sufficient sustenance. They also often have to travel far to search out mates. Finally, occasional droughts and other local disasters periodically force animals to migrate en masse. Bisecting the forest with a huge pipeline corridor, 100 m wide, would therefore have an immediate impact on these species and seriously threaten their long-term survival.

The East-West highway already cuts through the area, but has a relatively limited impact because the forest reaches to the edge of the road and so animals can slip across. In fact, one way to view elephants is to drive slowly along the road at night. However, the proposed 48-inch diameter pipeline would present an impassable barrier to many animals. With less ability to roam, hungry (or sex-starved) animals are likely to spill-over into village areas leading to greater human- wildlife conflicts. In the neighboring village of Jeli, for example, locals suffer from crop damage by elephants and occasional attacks from tigers. The pipeline would lead to increased conflicts which would lead to animals being injured or killed in shootings and traps.

In the name of transparency and responsible government, we request that a detailed EIA be carried out before this project is approved. We are of the opinion that if the environmental and social costs of the project are properly assessed, then the trans-Peninsula pipeline will be recognised as having profound negative impacts on rural life and the natural environment.

The writer is chairperson, Selangor Branch, Malaysian Nature Society (MNS).