PKR Youth urges Pahang to scrap logging project that threatens Orang Asli

PKR Youth wants the Pahang state government to scrap a logging project in the Tersang Forest Reserve the size of about 1,800 football fields.

This came after an environmental impact assessment (EIA) found that those who would be most impacted by the project are Orang Asli communities that live nearby.

In a statement, PKR Youth Orang Asal bureau chief Leo Arrey Romani said that other communities who live nearby and rely on the forest will also be affected, especially if water pollution occurs.

He also criticised attempts to justify the project as creating jobs for the Orang Asli.

"The reality is such projects benefit migrant workers more, whereas the economic model of natives would be destroyed, as many Orang Asli have their own farms and don't want to work on a mega plantation," he said.

Yesterday, Malaysiakini reported the EIA as stating that the proposed logging project would impact 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.

Must have consultation

Leo said that in the future, any projects that involve the forest must be done in consultation with native communities and be aimed at sustainable development models such as eco-tourism instead of activities that damage the environment and erase the heritage of the Orang Asli.

The Tersang Forest Reserve project aims to establish a forest plantation of 1,289.63ha within the forest reserve, along with a 22km road network.

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

Feedback can be provided here until Sept 18.

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