IPOH: Environmentalist groups in Perak urge the state government to take action against encroachment activities at the Besout Forest Reserve.
Aktivis Sahabat Alam (Kuasa) field officer Taufik Salleh said at least 200ha has been used to plant oil palm and fruits in the forest in Slim.
“Based on our visit, it is believed that the activity has been ongoing for the last 15 years.
“The forest received its forest reserve status in 1913, but throughout the years it has been exploited in various ways including monoculture plantation.
“This encroachment will affect the forest system permanently,” he said, adding that only the urgency of state government’s action would save the forest.
It was reported in April last year that the state government would continue its monoculture plantation involving at least 400ha of land in Kledang Saiong Forest Reserve and Bukit Kinta Forest Reserve despite receiving backlash from various environmentalist groups.
On March 26, environmentalist group Sahabat Alam Malaysia urged for serious action to be taken against those encroaching into the Bukit Larut Forest Reserve in Taiping.
Another environmentalist who wishes to be known only as Mohamad said the nearby the Orang Asli are puzzled with the condition of the forest.
“They are staying at Kampung Changkat Ramu, where they previously requested for a permanent land status in the forest.
“Their request was rejected since the land holds the forest reserve status.
“However, they wondered why there is no action taken against those who use the forest for monoculture plantation,” he said.
Efforts to get the state Forestry Department has been made. -The Star