Are berembang trees being cut or just trimmed along Sepetang River?

Question

Accepted Answer

Perak Forestry Department States Berembang Trees Were Trimmed, Not Cut Down

The Perak Forestry Department has refuted claims that berembang mangrove trees along the Sepetang River in Kampung Dew were cut down. The department's assessment indicates that only branches of the sonneratia caseolaris trees were trimmed, with four new cuts observed, likely caused by timber transport boats. This statement addresses concerns raised by local conservation groups and residents regarding the potential destruction of these trees, which are crucial habitats for fireflies.
Trimming vs. Felling of Berembang Trees

According to the Perak Forestry Department director, Datuk Mohamed Zin Yusop, investigations revealed that the berembang trees had their branches cut, not felled. He noted that only four fresh cuts were identified on the branches, which he attributed to boats navigating the river for timber transportation. This observation contrasts with claims made by the Kampung Dew Fireflies Tourism Association secretary, Shukor Ishak, who stated that nine berembang mangrove trees, estimated to be over 80 years old, had been cut down.
Calls for Expedited Gazetting of Fireflies Forest Reserve

Conservation advocates, including Sahabat Alam Malaysia, have urged authorities to accelerate the process of gazetting the area as a protected Fireflies Forest Reserve. This initiative, first announced in 2013, aims to provide greater protection for the trees and the firefly population. Sahabat Alam Malaysia highlighted that gazetting the area is the most effective measure against further encroachment and destruction.
Land Ownership Issues Hamper Gazetting Process

The State Land and Mines Office has cited land ownership complexities with private entities as the primary reason for the delay in gazetting the Sepetang River area. Sahabat Alam Malaysia suggested that the authorities could leverage Section 9 of the Forestry Act 1967, which provides for land acquisition to establish permanent reserved forests, to overcome these ownership hurdles. The Perak Forestry Department is currently collaborating with the Kerian Land and District Office and the Department of Survey and Mapping Perak to determine the precise size of the area before proceeding with the gazetting process.
Demand for Stricter Penalties and Increased Vigilance

Environmental protection group Pertubuhan Pelindung Khazanah Alam Malaysia called for severe penalties for individuals responsible for destroying natural habitats. The group's president, Puan Sri Shariffa Sabrina Syed Akil, emphasised the need for greater alertness from the Forestry Department in preventing such destruction, suggesting that diligent execution of duties by all parties involved could prevent such incidents.

Reading history

Hide →

This history is cleared when the page is closed.

Are berembang trees being cut or just trimmed along Sepetang River?

Loading

Was this article helpful?

Helpful

Not helpful

Report an issue

1

0

0

Share with friends