IPOH: The Forest Plantation Development Project at the Kledang Saiong Permanent Forest Reserve in Kuala Kangsar has obtained the required environmental impact assessment (EIA) and forest plantation management plan approvals.
In a statement, natural resources and environmental sustainability minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said the state government, however, will first ensure the interests of nearby residents are protected before the project is implemented.
Earlier, during his working visit to Perak, Nik Nazmi was briefed on sustainable forest management practices, the forest plantation and the Lenggong Geopark Gallery operations.
In February, Perak menteri besar Saarani Mohamad said the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah had been briefed on the proposed forest plantation project, which had been opposed by several NGOs.
On Feb 17, eight NGOs submitted a memorandum to a representative of the sultan in Kuala Kangsar, requesting Sultan Nazrin’s intervention to cancel the proposed 4,280ha monoculture farming project.
The memorandum includes a request for Sultan Nazrin to instruct the state authorities to comply with the decision of the 79th National Land Council Meeting on Dec 2, 2021, which agreed in principle on the implementation of a 15-year moratorium on new approvals for the establishment of forest plantations in permanent forest reserves in the peninsula.
Nik Nazmi said he also inspected the area where illegal mining of non-radioactive rare earth elements took place in the Bintang Hijau Forest Reserve, in Lawin, Hulu Perak. This was found to be causing damage to the ecosystem in the area.
“At present, an investigation is being carried out according to the provisions of the law by the relevant authorities,” he said.
On Dec 8, a total of 31 people, including 21 foreigners, were detained for suspected illegal exploration of rare earth activities in the Bintang Hijau Forest Reserve.
Perak police chief Yusri Hassan Basri had said that along with the Perak forestry department, several raids were carried out at separate locations.
On the Lenggong geopark gallery development project, which is a joint project between the federal government and the state, Nik Nazmi said it would highlight the uniqueness of the geopark to attract tourists.
It will also provide an opportunity for the public to explore the unique archaeological heritage and geological diversity in the area, he added. - FMT
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