PETALING JAYA: The Kedah menteri besar does not understand the concept of climate change by allowing 25,000ha of rainforest outside of the Ulu Muda forest reserve to be logged, says a former minister.
Calling for the whole area to be made a royal state park to stop any logging in the area permanently, Dr Xavier Jayakumar said forests serve as water catchment areas and pay a vital role in preventing floods.
“We will be experiencing more flooding and drought in the coming years. The only way to reduce these natural disasters is to listen to the call for preservation,” the former water, land and natural resources minister said.
He was commenting on reports that Kedah has approved 25,000ha outside of the Ulu Muda forest reserve area to be logged.
According to a recent Sinar Harian report, Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said the areas in Ulu Muda gazetted as water catchments will not be disturbed.
Jayakumar, a PKR vice-president, said Sanusi must recognise the fact that current floods in several states, which have displaced tens of thousands of residents, are happening because of global climate change, adding that deforestation will only worsen the situation.
He said Sabah had set a good example by designating the 20,000ha Maliau Basin as off-limits to all for the next 50 years.
“I would ask every state to set aside parcels of forest and put a caveat on them for the next 50 years. This must start with the menteris besar and chief ministers of all states.
“Leadership comes with responsibility, not only when you are in power but also what you leave behind after that,” he said. - FMT
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