N Sembilan forest authority to address 'non-adherence' following complaints

 

The Negeri Sembilan Forest Management Unit (FMU) is currently rectifying “non-adherence” matters at Galla Forest Reserve in Nilai after complaints that alleged logging activities on the hill have impacted the nearby Orang Asli community’s water source, said Sirim QAS International.

While it did not explain the nature of the non-compliance, Sirim QAS management system certification department senior general manager Mohd Hamim Imam Mustain said the Negeri Sembilan FMU has been given a fixed timeline to address the matter and the mitigation process is underway.

In an email response, Hamim revealed that Sirim QAS International had discovered “some concerns” after conducting a surveillance audit for Negeri Sembilan FMU in June.

He added Sirim QAS had highlighted them as contravening Social Impact Assessment (SIA) requirements, as well as the mechanism to address the conflict resolution.

“As part of the audit activity, Sirim QAS monitored the organisation’s practices, which include, but are not limited to, its forestry activities such as tree harvesting or tree tagging, sustainable practices, and environmental and socio-economic impacts on the surrounding communities.

“This includes forestry activities in the Galla Forest Reserve,” he said.

Further, he explained that Forest Management Certification audits are carried out annually at Negeri Sembilan FMU to monitor compliance with the certification.

“The audit was carried out in order to ensure the responsibilities and actions required for certifying an FMU to the Malaysian Criteria and Indicators Sustainable Forest Management standards.

“Before Sirim QAS begins the certification process, the FMU is required to provide an in-depth evaluation report on the social impact of any forest operations on nearby local communities, including steps that will be taken to mitigate or prevent any negative impacts and, if possible, elevate the positive impacts of the activities.

“These include the questionnaires from the FMU for monitoring disputes and complaints emanating from local and Orang Asli communities,” he added.

Murky, contaminated water

Earlier this month, Malaysiakini reported that over 200 villagers of Kampung Orang Asli Sungai Mahang have been suffering from murky and contaminated water since August.

According to them, logging activities in the area have affected their water source and despite raising the issue with the relevant authorities, their plight has not been addressed.

A spokesperson from Kampung Orang Asli Sungai Mahang, Panjang Pandak, said villagers in Kampung Orang Asli Belihoi, Mantin, and Kampung Orang Asli Tekir faced the same predicament.

Panjang also claimed that the logging activities have impacted their food sources and income.

In response, Hamim admitted to receiving an official complaint from the Orang Asli community representative on matters pertaining to water contamination.

Pointing out that it is an immediate concern to Sirim QAS, he said Negeri Sembilan FMU has been officially requested to provide written feedback on the corrective actions taken to address the concerns and complaints.

“Sirim QAS will also be conducting an on-site verification audit to validate the complaint.” - Mkini