Malaysia: Lack of basic facilities to keep forest rangers going

Ivan Loh & Manjit Kaur, The Star, 8 Oct 13;

THE unavailability of basic amenities and the failure to establish the services of forest rangers have led to poor management in 16 recreational forests in Perak.

The Auditor-General’s report revealed that facilities were left abandoned and unused.

There are 16 recreational forests in the state that had been developed in stages by the State Forestry Department between 2010 and last year.

A total of RM3.45mil was allocated to the department for the purpose of recreational forest management and eco-tourism from the Forest Development Fund.

It suggested that the department ensure adequate facilities were available with proper maintenance. It also said there was a need to enhance cleanliness monitoring.

The report also said there had been 125 cases of breach of conditions on land use in both the Kampar and Kerian districts.

It recommended that the related authorities, including the Land and Mines Department, to work together with the local authorities and the Agriculture Department to detect and take action against any breach of the conditions on land use.