SUNGKAI, Dec 12 — No new plantation areas will be opened in forested regions to ensure Malaysia's forests remain preserved, said Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.
The Plantation and Commodities Minister cum acting Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister said preserving forest areas is crucial as they provide natural habitats for protected species such as tigers, gibbons, and tapirs, while also reducing conflicts between humans and wildlife.
“What we are doing is focusing on existing plantation areas, for example, oil palm, where we carry out replanting rather than opening new areas. Secondly, we must ensure that research and development (R&D) focuses on increasing yields, rather than opening new forest areas,” he said during a media conference after visiting the National Wildlife Rescue Centre (NWRC) today.
Johari added that in 1992, Malaysia pledged to maintain at least 50 per cent of its land mass under forest and tree cover.
The NWRC in Sungkai is currently carrying out rehabilitation work for injured or rescued species before releasing them back into suitable habitats adjacent to the Titiwangsa Range.
“So far, there has been no issue of overpopulation because the conservation area covers 3,000 hectares and is connected to permanent forest reserves. Some of these animals are difficult to manage as they were smuggled into the country by outsiders.
“These animals are taken to the temporary conservation centre while their country of origin is identified before being returned, which takes between six months and two years. During this period, the animals must be properly cared for,” he said.
This measure is also intended to prevent the illegal export of protected species and to ensure more effective enforcement to protect the country’s environment and unique wildlife.
