Pahang Forestry issues stop-work order on logging activities

 

The Pahang Forestry Department has issued a temporary stop-work order on timber logging activities due to the flood situation.

This is according to the letter titled 'Temporary Stop Work Order On Production of Forest Products and Transportation of Logs During The Monsoon Season and Flood 2022' issued yesterday by its director Mohd Hizamri Mohd Yasin.

"It is to be informed that the Pahang Forestry Department has made a decision to temporarily cease all production of forest products and production of timber from 'matau' (logging areas) in Pahang starting Jan 3, 2022, until further notice.

"Thus, you are requested to take immediate action according to this order, to lessen the impact on production areas and also the safety of workers.

"Action would be taken against licence holders found violating this order, which can be charged under the National Forestry Act 1984," according to the letter, which Malaysiakini sighted.

Hizamri, when contacted, confirmed that he had issued the order.

It is believed that the letter was distributed to all companies licensed to carry out activities in Pahang forests.

Pahang is experiencing flooding in many locations in the state due to the monsoon season.

However, the flood situation that seemed very bad this year led many to blame logging activities as the main culprit.

This was especially after a huge amount of wood debris was found in the Telemong area, which some claimed could have resulted from logging activities.

The Forestry Department, however, denied this, saying that it was actually debris from the water surge incident in Sungai Temeriak, Sungai Kerau and Sungai Timbul on Dec 18. - Mkini