Malaysia: Logging is one of the causes of flash floods, says Shafie

Norasikin Daineh New Straits Times 2 Jun 18;

PENAMPANG: Logging is one of the contributing factors for flash floods which occur at several districts in the state, said Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.

He said logging activities in the state should be looked into again to prevent the flood situation from getting worse.

“The effect of logging can be seen in this (flooding) situation and I have also received a report from Sabah Wildlife Department that elephants have become ‘wild’ (due to loss of habitat).This means a temporary halt of all logging activities so that we can see the true needs.

“Both here and in Tambunan, the water comes from the hills and there are logging activities that worry us.

“This is what we have to detect but it does not mean that I say logging is the main factor. But the issue should be looked at in depth,” he said when visiting flood victims at a temporary relief centre, here.

Earlier, he visited the district police station, here and Sepanggar areas which were flooded on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Mohd Shafie urged relevant authorities to visit affected areas and come up with action to address the flooding issue.

“I have asked Works minister (state Infrastructure Development minister Datuk Peter Anthony) to look into releasing water into the sea.”