Malaysia: Lojing hill cutting may lead to floods

SHARIFAH MAHSINAH ABDULLAH New Straits Times 17 Nov 14;

KOTA BARU: JUNGLE clearing and hill cutting to make way for farming and mixed agriculture projects in Lojing Highlands, Gua Musang, might lead to a disaster similar to what is happening in neighbouring Cameron Highlands.

Lojing land and sub-district officer Nik Abdul Rahman Nik Yusoff said the situation in Lojing could worsen if authorities did not keep a close watch on the activities.

However, he said, the land clearing was under control as only a small portion, which covers 181,700ha, was being developed.

He said the office had not received any report on erosions or landslides despite the deforestation for conversion of land into vegetable farms.

“We found that many of the companies rent the land from local owners and have cleared the jungle to plant vegetables.

“But, the problem is that many have breached the law by not following the tree-planting specifications, and we cannot take action against them as it is out of our jurisdiction... Their farms are not on state land,” he said yesterday.

Nik Rahman said he needed to discuss with other authorities, such as the district council and the Department of Environment, on the kind of action that could be taken against the offenders.

“I admit there are areas that have been damaged due to the land-opening activities, but the number is small and not alarming.”

He said no Orang Asli settlements near the farms had been affected.

“Although it is still safe in Lojing, we will not take this lightly. With the help of other agencies, departments and the Federal Government, we will continue with our enforcement to ensure no untoward incidents happen in Lojing,” he said.

Kelantan Umno chief Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed, when asked to comment on the issue, said the authorities in Kelantan must have a database of areas damaged by erosion or landslide so that the public would be aware of the situation.

“The database is important so that action can be taken once the problem arises.

“Secondly, enforcement must be carried out from time to time to check on those who may have breached the law, which can lead to the destruction of the land,” said Mustapa, who is also the international trade and industry minister.

The New Straits Times highlighted last year that the rampant jungle clearing, hill cutting and river pollution covering massive areas of Lojing Highlands had continued.

In was reported that huge swathes of highlands had been stripped bare of trees, and there were signs that the clearings occurred despite the state government’s contention that Lojing had been cleared of timber before 1990.

Deputy Menteri Besar Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah had then said the land in Lojing was being cleared to make way for farms and mixed-development projects, but denied that any logging was going on.