EIA: Not logging 1.8k football fields of forest will protect Orang Asli, wildlife

Summary

• EIA for a proposed 1,289.63ha logging and forest plantation project in Pahang’s Tersang Forest Reserve says halting the development would bring “significant” benefits to the ecosystem, wildlife, and nearby Orang Asli communities.

• It warns of potential harm to protected species, river pollution - including already high arsenic levels - and the loss of foraging areas tied to the Semai tribe’s livelihoods and cultural heritage.

• While 58 percent of surveyed residents support the project for its economic benefits, 19.4 percent oppose it over environmental concerns, with some doubting compliance with proposed mitigation measures.

The environmental impact assessment (EIA) for a large logging project in the Tersang Forest Reserve in Pahang noted that significant benefits would be realised if the development did not proceed.

"This (no project) approach offers significant positive impacts on the ecosystem, environment and nearby communities.

"Maintaining the existing condition of the forest would ensure continued provision of various ecosystem services, which are critical for environmental health and human well-being," the report said.

On the other hand, not proceeding with the project will impact the local economy negatively, it said, with the state government losing a potential source of income as forest produce significantly contributes to state coffers.

Timber demands

Aside from the loss of commercial timber revenue, the report said the lack of development could increase the risk of illegal activities, particularly encroachment and unauthorised logging.

The project's importance is linked to timber demand as Malaysia is one of the biggest players in the global timber industry.

It aims to establish a forest plantation of 1,289.63ha - or about 1,800 football fields - within the forest reserve, along with a 22km road network.

The project will not be the only one in the area, as the report said 10 other projects have been approved over the past several years in the vicinity.

The first phase of development involves logging and forest clearing activities, which the report said will affect wildlife, existing land erosion issues, and water quality.

"The logging and forest plantation development will be carried out in phases, broken down into three blocks and 25 sub-blocks," the report noted.

But the report said mitigation measures in the operational phase should minimise negative effects.

Orang Asli will be badly impacted

It also said those who would be most impacted by the project are those from the Semai tribes living in three Orang Asli villages - the Hulu Renggol village, Rempan village, and Semalin village - 3km away from the site.

"The project will reduce accessible foraging areas for Orang Asli communities, affecting their traditional collection of forest products for income, subsistence, and medicinal purposes," the EIA added.

The report also noted that the Orang Asli's cultural and spiritual connections to the land will be affected.

Another concern was how the land clearing activities would increase the presence of heavy metals in the surrounding rivers.

According to the EIA, baseline arsenic levels in Sungai Rempan - used primarily by the Rempan village - already exceed acceptable limits set by the National Drinking Water Quality Standard.

Due to this, the report advised the company carrying out the project to secure alternative water sources for the affected communities.

Protected species at risk

The report also said that the wildlife in the area would be "significantly" affected by the development.

It cited evidence of several protected mammals within the project's impact zone, including the long-tailed macaque, pig-tailed macaque, sun bear, and Malayan tiger.

It pointed to the area's biodiversity as well, saying there are approximately 30 species of reptiles and amphibians and over 80 documented bird species.

Not only will the project create barriers for the movement of wildlife, alter microhabitats, and restrict movement corridors, but the creation of infrastructure that makes it easy to enter the forest reserve could also increase illegal wildlife hunting and bird trapping, the report warned.

Majority support

However, more than half (58 percent) of those surveyed approved of the project, citing its socioeconomic benefits such as employment and business opportunities, as well as local development.

Only 19.4 percent rejected the project while another 22.6 percent said they had no opinion.

Those who disapproved of the development expressed concerns over potential environmental impacts, such as river pollution and flash floods.

While 70.8 percent believed that the proposed mitigation measures could cushion them against negative effects, 9.5 percent doubted that the project proponent would comply with the procedures effectively.

A further 19.8 percent were unsure.

About 264 people from 19 residential areas within 5km of the site were surveyed.

The assessment was carried out by environmental consultant Eco Synergy Solutions Sdn Bhd for Summit Rex Sdn Bhd.

The report is available for public viewing from Aug 5 to Sept 5.

Feedback can be provided here until Sept 18.

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