By Fitri Hazim Hazam
SABAK BERNAM, Dec 1 — The implementation of a logging moratorium policy in Selangor has effectively preserved permanent forest reserves for the past 25 years.
State executive councillor for local government, tourism, and New Village development Dato' Ng Suee Lim, said the policy, introduced in 2008, prohibits all logging activities within the reserves as part of efforts to safeguard Selangor's natural wealth.
"Selangor was the first state to establish such a policy to protect our forests from further encroachment.
"We are not focused on generating revenue from logging activities but are prioritising the preservation of the state’s greenery for the sustainability of future generations," he said.
According to the Selangor State Legislative Assembly's portal, the moratorium policy still allows the state government to undertake development projects within permanent forest reserves if they serve public interests.
This includes the construction of dams, Tenaga Nasional Berhad power lines, highways, and water supply routes, provided that these projects are carried out responsibly to mitigate environmental pollution.
Speaking at the 2024 Ban Canal Carnival's closing ceremony today, Ng reaffirmed Selangor’s commitment to maintaining at least 30 per cent of Selangor's land as permanent forest reserves.
Currently, forested areas cover over 31 per cent of the state’s total land area, including 40,794 hectares in Sabak Bernam.
On November 28, state executive councillor for public health and the environment Jamaliah Jamaluddin announced that the state government is identifying more land to be gazetted as permanent forest reserves.
She said this initiative is part of the First Selangor Plan's strategy to sustain the state’s forests.
[caption id="attachment_381788" align="aligncenter" width="1445"]
State executive councillor for local government, tourism, and New Village development Dato' Ng Suee Lim (left) officiates the Ban Canal Carnival's closing ceremony at Parit 14, Simpang Lima, Sabak Bernam, on December 1, 2024. — Picture by REMY ARIFIN/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
