Malayan Nature Society no to oil pipeline in forest

Meena L. Ramadas, The Sun Daily 20 Aug 09;

KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 20, 2009): The Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) is opposing a proposed oil pipeline project which it says will threaten the Belum-Temenggor area’s biodiversity.

The project, previously proposed to the government as the trans-peninsula pipeline, will span from Yan, Kedah to Bachok in Kelantan and is estimated to be worth RM23 billion.

“The survival of the forested landscape and its wildlife will be jeopardised should the proposed 300km pipeline proceed without safeguards for the forests,” said MNS executive director Dr Loh Chi Leong.

MNS is also calling for an environmental impact assessment (EIA) of the project on the forest area which is yet to be conducted.

It said the Environmental Quality (Prescribed Activities) (Environmental Impact Assessment) Order 1987 states that construction of pipelines in excess of 50 km in length requires that an EIA be conducted.

The East-West Highway already dissects the Belum-Temenggor Area and is used by large animals such as elephants to migrate between the two forest blocks.

“With the highway in place and the many other proposed linear developments along the East-West highway, the pipeline will create further physical barriers along the highway,” said Loh.

The pipeline could have an impact on local villages as it would further obstruct migration routes, causing animals to tread into village areas.

The wildlife displacement could endanger villagers as it will increase human-wildlife conflicts.

According to MNS, the pipeline could impede efforts to promote the Belum-Temenggor area as a nature tourist attraction because the area is an important buffer zone and habitat for various wildlife.

The Belum-Temenggor Forest complex is home to 100 mammal and 274 bird species and is recognised by the Malaysian government as an environmentally sensitive area.

The area also boasts the Royal Belum State Park and the Temenggor Forest Reserve. Perak Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Zambry bin Abd. Kadir reportedly said the Temenggor Forest Reserve will be reviewed to be gazetted as a non-logging area.

“If these areas are destroyed, the protected areas often become ecologically isolated,” said Loh.