Malaysia: RM35m allocation for viaduct to link forests

New Straits Times 21 Feb 13;

IPOH: The Federal Government has approved a RM35 million to build a viaduct for the Central Forest Spine (CSF) project.

The viaduct will serve as an as an ecological link and provide safe passage for animals between their habitats.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said the federal authority was expected to call for a tender soon.

"We expect it (the project) to be completed in about two years after the tender is awarded," he said after chairing the state executive council meeting here yesterday.

The CFS is a master plan to ensure animals and plants in the country can continue to thrive for future generations.

Under the plan, the forest complexes will be connected through a network of 37 linkages to form a 5.3 million hectare forest complex. These linkages will allow animals to roam freely from north to south of the peninsula.

The four forest complexes are Titiwangsa-Bintang-Nakawan Range; National Park to Eastern Range; Southeast Pahang Swamp Forest, Tasik Chini and Tasik Bera; and Endau Rompin National Park-Kluang Wildlife Reserve.

Perak has, to date, gazetted about 20,000ha of the the Lower Belum Forest along the Grik-Jeli Highway as a permanent forest reserve under the CFS.

"This if proof of our seriousness to the Federal Government's initiative," Zambry said, adding that the state had engaged experts to help ensure the success of the project.

"We have obtained positive feedback on how we can go about developing a safe environment for the wildlife.

"They have even suggested the kind of plants we can grow as a food source."