Rep claims 'double standards' after state govt allows Cameron land clearing

 

Tanah Rata assemblyperson Chiong Yoke Kong has criticised the Pahang government for practising “double standards” in allowing the clearing of land for development and agricultural activities in Kampung Raja, Cameron Highlands.

This is as illegal plantations previously operated in the same area but were destroyed in Ops Gading a few years ago, the DAP lawmaker claimed.

“None of the parties carried out development and agricultural activities there after the implementation of Ops Gading.

“However, the state government and the authorities seem to have experienced a ‘shift in attitude’ allowing large companies to carry out large-scale land clearing in the area.

“This shows double standards and contradictions that confuse everyone,” he said in a statement today.

Chiong called on the government to take urgent steps to repair the slopes of Cameron Highlands, following a recent survey of Kampung Raja that he conducted with residents where they found damages.

Tanah Rata assemblyperson Chiong Yoke Kong (front second left) with residents surveying the slopes in Kampung Raja, Cameron Highlands

Last month, a company was said to have received a permit to clear land in a 6,475ha forested area near Kampung Raja.

This triggered the residents’ concern that natural disasters may result from the land clearing and logging activities, such as landslides and mud floods - similar to the incident which occurred in Baling, Kedah a while back.

Chiong also urged the state government to take proactive measures such as installing a digital disaster warning system.

“As a short-term measure, I call on the state government and related government agencies to immediately instal a digital disaster warning system that can detect ground movement 24 hours a day and send warnings to residents to leave immediately,” he said.

The state government, he added, must also stop all tree felling activities and carry out rehabilitation works to prevent landslides.

Further, he suggested replanting trees in the area to preserve the slope.

“The state government and relevant parties should also build a water channel system to repair the slope for the safety and well-being of the Cameron Highlands people,” he said. - Mkini