By Nasuha Badrul Huzaini
SHAH ALAM, Dec 16 — There are no forestry activities such as logging and area clearing that have been carried out at the Batang Kali Permanent Reserve Forest, says Selangor Forestry Department director Datuk Ahmad Fadzil Abdul Majid.
He clarified that the location of the Batang Kali landslide incident was not part of the permanent reserve forest and is situated on privately-owned land.
“The incident was caused by slope failure due to rain. There are no forestry activities such as logging or area clearing carried out in the forest because the entire area has been categorised as a protected forest under the Enactment (Adoption) of the Selangor State Forestry Act 1985 for over 30 years.
“We have also issued a notice of operation closure at all recreational forests under our purview from October until early next year. The move was taken as part of the efforts to control and prevent any untoward incidents during the monsoon season,” he said in a statement today.
Ahmad Fadzil also urged members of the public to stay away from recreational activities in forest areas during the rainy season.
“For further information and inquiries, the public could contact us immediately,” he added.
Earlier today, a landslide occurred near the camping site at the Father’s Organic Farm, Gohtong Jaya near Batang Kali at about 2.30am.
As of 7.10pm, a total of 21 victims have died in the incident while 12 more are still missing and search and rescue (SAR) efforts by rescue agencies are ongoing.
The SAR operations are being jointly carried out by the police’s K9 unit and the Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) from the Bukit Sentosa, Ampang, Pandan, Kota Anggerik, Kajang and Andalas Fire and Rescue Stations (BBP) as well as the Special Tactical Rescue Operations Team (Storm).
