Land clearing rampant in M'sian forest reserve areas: residents

Cameron Highlands (The Star/ANN) - Rampant land clearing is being carried out in several forest reserve areas in Cameron Highlands, according to nearby residents.

Responding to the locals' complaints, the District Office conducted a raid and seized heavy machinery, including backhoes and excavators.

Residents said tree-felling was especially rampant in the last four months.

"From what I observed, some 12 hectares have been cleared," said K. Rengasamy, 58.

Another resident Oh Peng, 58, said the felling of trees had affected water supply to houses downstream.

R. Subramaniam, 51, feared that the exposed slopes would suffer from erosion during bad weather.

Tanah Rata assemblyman Ho Yip Kap said land clearing was rampant, but he did not know if it was illegal.

He was, however, worried about the consequences.

"With the rainy season approaching, we do not want landslides and rivers silting up," he said.

Cameron Highlands MP S.K. Devamany said illegal land-clearing was rampant in the constituency, and all parties should meet and come up with strategies to address the situation.

Link:
Land clearing rampant in M'sian forest reserve areas: residents