Letter to the Editor: Halt Logging In Vicinity of Forest Reserves
LETTER TO THE EDITOR HALT LOGGING IN VICINITY OF FOREST RESERVES It is with grave concern that environmentalists and conscientious citizens read how state and forestry authorities rationalise logging activities in Batu Yon and land surrounding the Merapoh Forest Reserve in the Kuala Lipis area by claiming that the logging is carried out in land owned by the Agriculture Industrial Development Board (LKPP) and not directly on the forest reserve land. The Merapoh forest, estimated to be 130 million years old, is home to endangered species which include elephants, tigers, tapirs, sun bears and deer, as well as rare flora such as the rafflesia. Its spectacular limestone caves form a vital part of Malaysia’s natural heritage. All of these natural wonders are now under threat as a result of logging and roadworks in their vicinity. The fact remains that agricultural land bordering gazetted forest reserves are still critical water catchment areas and wildlife habita...