Bilut rep refutes Pahang MB's 'bare denial' on illegal logging activities

 

Bilut assemblyperson Lee Chin Chen has refuted Pahang Menteri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail's bare denial over claims of logging in the Bentong area.

Lee (above) in a statement said Wan Rosdy had failed to act on public complaints based on drone images and videos that allegedly showed suspected illegal logging activities in the area.

"The local residents have lodged a police report, but he (Wan Rosdy) chose to close his eyes from the fact.

"Does the menteri besar feel that the locals had lodged a false report?" asked Lee.

Lee, together with Tras assemblyperson Chow Yu Hui, had previously highlighted suspicions by residents of Taman Shahbandar Height on illegal logging in the area despite the moratorium on forest clearing activities during the monsoon season issued by the Pahang Forestry Department.

Chow had accompanied the residents to lodge a police report over the matter on Jan 20.

Wan Rosdy yesterday urged the two assemblypersons to prove their claim but Lee said the request was "unreasonable and unacceptable".

"The menteri besar did not order the Forestry Department to conduct an urgent investigation following residents' complaints, but instead attacked the local assemblypersons highlighting the logging activities," he said.

He said Wan Rosdy has also refrained from commenting on the logging activities carried out despite a moratorium issued by the Forestry Department.

"Is the menteri besar trying to protect any parties?" Lee added.

He also welcomed a reported invitation from Pahang state secretary Sallehuddin Ishak to visit the site to prove their claims.

"He can contact me at any time, I can visit the logging site with him and the locals to assist in the state investigations," said Lee. - Mkini