A recent spate of illegal timber logging at a forest reserve at Baling involving 20 hectares of land has resulted in the loss of timber valued up to RM500,000, the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) said today.

 

In a statement, CAP president SM Mohamed Idris said that the new logging activity, observed over the past two weeks, requires urgent attention from the Kedah state government and the state forestry department.

 

"The activity also causes water retention areas to be affected, affecting water supplies to local residents," he said.

 

He said that according to a CAP survey, around 3,000 residents in the six villages are suffering from contamination to their water supplies due to the logging activity.

 

"We are worried if this prolongs, it would cause more serious damage to the lives of residents in the villages," he said.

 

CAP previously raised complaints about logging and clearing of 5,000 hectares in the forest reserve as part of a scheme to plant new rubber trees for farmers there, back in 2012.

 

That logging was eventually halted by the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry.

 

Under the Forestry Act, individuals responsible for illegal logging can be fined up to RM500,000 or jailed up to 20 years if found guilty, and CAP has urged the authorities to enforce the law in this matter.

Related stories

Azmin's teary flood aid visit draws jibes from foe

Logging caused unusual flooding, say NGOs

Solar power mooted for flood relief centres

Keep political parties out of charity