Menteri Besar Adnan Yaakob said the state government has stopped issuing logging licences to individuals.

Timber companies will still be considered however, he said.

"We have stricter guidelines now which totally prohibit logging in water catchment areas.

"Random logging not only destroys our forest but the state's source of water as well," he said after attending a meet-the-people session in Jerantut.

Commenting on Jerantut member of parliament Tengku Azlan Sultan Abu Bakar's announcement of withdrawing from the coming general election, Adnan said he will be discussing it with party leaders.

It was reported that Tengku Azlan had announced the matter at a function in Jerantut last week.

Tengku Azlan, who is also Umno Jerantut division chief, has been the member of parliament for the constituency the past three terms.

He is the only Pahang royalty active in politics and was a former deputy transport minister.

- Bernama