Ibrahim Ali: No logging for 25 years to end flooding

Perkasa leader says move will lead to soil stability and let land recover.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malay right-wing group Perkasa has proposed a 25-year freeze on logging in flood-prone states as a measure to avert the repeat of massive floods.

Perkasa president Ibrahim Ali said that so long as logging licences were issued, there would be destruction of forests; so long as there was legalised logging, there would be illegal logging.

“We only blame logging and destruction of forests as the cause of floods but never ask who issues the logging licences,” he told reporters after launching a Perkasa goodwill event with the Orang Asli in Bukit Lagong here.

Several academicians have said that the recent widespread flooding in several states recently could be linked to logging and destruction of forests.

“We can freeze logging for 25 years at least to allow for soil stability. Licences can be given only to those involved in the (downstream) industry, for example the furniture industry. I do not think that Malaysia will lose in terms of revenue without the timber cess,” he said.

He added that Perkasa members had helped to collect and distribute aid to flood victims, and was also accepting contributions in the form of building materials such as zinc sheets, cement and planks for repairs to flood-damaged houses.

- BERNAMA