COMMENT The Perak state government has a lot to answer to the people of Perak, for the way it has handled the state’s natural resources.

Pertubuhan Pelindung Khazanah Alam Malaysia (Peka), its Perak branch and Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM), together with a residents’ action committee, have highlighted another issue concerning a logging concession in Lawin.

At a press conference held in Ipoh yesterday, the groups had strongly objected to the state’s approval of a logging concession at Compartment 66, Forest Reserve Bintang Hijau (FR Bintang Hijau), Hulu Lawin, in the sub-district of Kenering in the district of Hulu Perak, Perak.

They claimed that the related party, especially from the Forestry Department, had never done a Social Impact Study on the nearby residents in that area; and therefore, they urged the state authorities to retain the classification of part of Forest Reserve Bintang Hijau including Compartment 66 as a Water Catchment Forest according to Section 10(1)(e) of the National Forestry Act, besides classification to all other class of forest protection following the same Act.

Perak Peka chairperson Sajeeda Muhammad said that the majority of the residents residing in that area are still using the water supply that stems from the Hulu Sungai Lawin in the Forest Reserve of Bintang Hijau.

“The approval of the logging activity in Compartment 66, Forest Reserve Bintang Hijau, therefore, can cause erosion of hillsides and will damage and destroy the physical structure of the river that will effect and cause an impact that will result in mud flood,” she said. “This is our major concern.”

A review by the Perak Peka branch, SAM and members from the action committee had found that the geophysical features of the Forest Reserve Bintang Hijau are known to be a sensitive area to any activity that involves exploitation of timberland.

Logging activities at Compartment 66 has raised great concern as it could cause disturbance to the surrounding ecosystem, mainly at the water consumption area. “This will give an effect and significantly impact all sources of clean water near the area of settlement,” Sajeeda said.

Just recently, the residents had to face a flood which they claimed was the result of logging activities in the area. They are praying that such a disaster would not happen again.

Representatives from the residents’ action committee are unhappy that despite their objections, the logging concession was approved by the state government.

Attitude of indifference

Despite numerous complaints being raised with the Perak Menteri Besar Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, the response seems to signify a clear show of indifference.

Dr Zambry had threatened to sue Aulong assemblyperson Leow Thye Yih, but till now, the threat has been an empty one.

Sources close to the matter said that if Dr Zamby had instituted legal actions against Leow, he would have to face a number of other state assemblypersons led by Perak DAP whip Ngeh Koo Ham, who subsequently jointly issued a press statement that they stood in solidarity with Leow.

Leow had merely repeated the claims from his constituents who said that if Dr Zambry chose to remain indifferent to the people’s grievances, he could be perceived as having received a ‘donation’ from a particular housing developer. As an important state figure, Dr Zambry is expected to respond to complaints by the people within the state.

The connotation of a ‘donation’ is interpreted these days in the light of the Arab donation to Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak which went into Najib’s personal account. The RM2.6 billion ‘donation’ was never reflected in Umno’s accounts.

Another example of indifference is towards Kuala Sepetang’s Matang mangrove forest. Despite its state assemblyperson Chua Yee Ling writing an open letter to Dr Zambry published by Malaysiakini , this news portal has not been informed of any proactive actions undertaken by the Menteri Besar’s office to save the natural habitat from further destruction.

Meanwhile, land clearing activities have continued in Tambun behind the Haven Tambun Resorts and Permai Lakeview Apartments which I have personally followed through.

In an earlier development, a piece of land meant for utilities was given to a developer who had started some work on a high-rise building allegedly without proper approval. Residents have managed to obtain a court injunction to stop the project. Now, it is land clearing activities that appear to be encroaching into a forest reserve.

Despite the numerous highlights, neither Dr Zambry nor the Ipoh City Council mayor Zambri Man have given any explanations . Residents have even brought the matter to both the Hulu Kinta state assemblyperson Aminuddin Md Hanafiah and Tambun member of Parliament, Ahmad Husni Mohamad Hanadzlah.

It is hoped that both will work hard at reversing any concession signed by the state authorities to stop any possible encroachment into the state’s forest reserve.

Environmentalist Steve Oh had urged Aminuddin to turn the Tambun strip into an eco-tourism belt for the state of Perak.

STEPHEN NG is an ordinary citizen with an avid interest in following political developments in the country since 2008.