KUALA LUMPUR – There is no illegal logging or encroachment in the Ulu Muda Forest Reserve in Sik, said Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad in response to a non-governmental organisation’s claim of water source pollution due to these activities.
He said the Peninsular Malaysia Forestry Department had confirmed that no such logging activities were taking place in the area in Kedah.
“However, we will continue investigating because we received complaints from NGOs.
“Based on the satellite data, we will do further investigation to ensure that there is no encroachment there,” Nik Nazmi said in Bernama’s report of his event at SMA Tarbiah Diniah, in Kulim, today.
Recently, environmental NGO RimbaWatch alleged that logging activities in the forest reserve area had caused Tasik Muda, the main source of water for users in Penang and Kedah, to suffer from sedimentation problems.
RimbaWatch said its study, which was conducted using satellite imagery, found accumulated deposits in the Muda Dam since March 2023, and that the situation worsened in October.
Nik Nazmi said the water catchment basin in the Ulu Muda Forest Reserve was sensitive and important to protect as it supplies water to three states, namely Kedah, Perlis and Penang.
Recently, Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said Putrajaya should compensate the state RM100 million a year for making a “huge sacrifice” by keeping its forests intact.
The PAS leader said RM100 million was “reasonable” to compensate Kedah for the loss of income from forest products. – January 28, 2024