'Suspicious load' of timber found to be from Terengganu - Pahang Forestry Dept

 

The Pahang Forestry Department (JPNP) had acted on public complaints against a trailer transporting a suspiciously large load of timber spotted along the Eastcoast Expressway West-bound rest area in Temerloh yesterday.

The department in a statement, however, said its checks, based on a viral Facebook post by environmentalist Khaidir Ahmad, found that the timber was not taken from any forest sites in Pahang.

"Information on the lorry and timber tallied with what was stated in a transporting permit issued by the Terengganu Forestry Department.

"It is understood that the timber will be sent to the Evergrowth Timber Factory in Selangor," said JPNP.

It also said the department was appreciative of public complaints that allowed it to swiftly act against any potential threat to the state's forest reserves.

When contacted, Khaidir said he welcomed JPNP's quick and "non-emotional" reaction to clarify matters, although noting the onus is now on the Terengganu Forestry Department to issue a statement.

"I am satisfied with the professional and non-emotional statement, which also appreciated our efforts to lodge a complaint.

"But now it is Terengganu's turn to comment... The people are waiting," he added.

Environmentalist Khaidir Ahmad

Based on his personal observation, Khaidir identified the timber to be from the Chengal tree which he estimated to be at least 500 years old.

"It should not have been cut down and instead protected as a national heritage for future generations.

"The Chengal tree is nearly extinct in Malaysia," the former broadcast journalist told Malaysiakini.

In a separate Facebook post, Khaidir, who in the 14th general election contested as an Independent candidate for P88 Temerloh and N31 Lanchang, also responded to Pahang state executive councillor Shahaniza Shamsuddin who took a swipe at his allegedly slanderous posting.

"To accuse my post as slander would be inaccurate and has ill intentions as I did not make any accusations but rather raising questions as an ordinary citizen who saw something suspicious.

"As an elected representative, you must be professional and not emotional in dealing with public complaints," he told the Kuala Sentul assemblyperson.

Shahaniza noted that Khaidir's post was shared over 3,000 times and had created various perceptions on the Pahang government, despite the timber and its load eventually found to be from Terengganu. - Mkini