SARAWAK Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem is a no-nonsense man who told timber tycoons who destroy and steal timber not to mess with him. This year, the state is going to amend the forest ordinance to increase the fine to RM10,000 for those caught stealing timber and illegally clearing forests.
The state has recovered millions of ringgit by seizing illegally-felled logs from timber thieves.
I see hope for the animals and forests of Sarawak.
I cannot, however, say the same for the forests of Pahang. Two weeks ago, I drove from Kuala Terengganu to Gua Musang via the Tasik Kenyir road, and then to Cameron Highlands. The road from Gua Musang to Cameron Highlands used to be flanked by jungle. I travelled that road with my family many years ago. Seeing the change to the environment shocked us.
About 75km to Kampung Raja in Cameron Highlands, you can see cleared hills on the left side that have been planted with oil palm. From the height of the trees, I estimate them to be 2 years old.
As we moved closer to Cameron Highlands, we could see more and more cleared jungle ready for planting.
These areas are permanent forest reserves. That such a large area is cleared without the knowledge of the Land Office or District Office is beyond me. It cannot be that the state allows the jungle and hills to be cleared for planting oil palm. Action must be taken to stop illegal hill clearing.
As we neared Kampung Raja, 12km away, the scenery changed. All the way on the left side of the road, the jungle had been illegally cleared by farmers.
We could see rows and rows of transparent plastic sheets put up by farmers to plant vegetables all the way to the hill top.
What happened to the task force set up to destroy the land illegally cultivated by farmers? Those responsible must take action against those destroying the environment.
Why is it that I have yet to read about anyone being charged with the offence?
W.M. Lean, Butterworth, Penang