IPOH: Perak Ruler Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah has been briefed on the monoculture farming project at the Kledang Saiong Forest Reserve near Kuala Kangsar, says Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad (pic).
The Mentri Besar said the briefing was conducted with the Perak Ruler when a group of non-governmental organisations submitted a memorandum to His Majesty's office at Bukit Chandan on Feb 17.
He said the project did not contravene any regulations as the then Energy and Natural Resources Ministry had approved a total of 100,000ha of land in the state for monoculture farming a few years ago.
“However, the state government agreed on 32,000ha to be used for the purpose.
“When the Federal Government announced the moratorium on monoculture farming, there was about 6,000ha of land left that was approved last year with the permission from the minister.
“So this is not something unusual or unforeseen, and a public hearing is in the process. In addition, the project must definitely get the nod from the environmental impact assessment report,” he told reporters after planting trees and launching an early warning system for water surge at the Kledang Saiong Eco-Park here on Monday (Feb 27).
On Feb 17, six NGOs had requested that the Ruler intervene in the matter of the proposed 4,280ha of land at the reserve earmarked for monoculture farming.
They raised concerns that the project would impact 10 villages nearby and cause wildlife-human conflict.
Saarani said replanting was necessary, or the next generation would not have a forest anymore.
“So everything is done prudently, and Perak is among the best states in terms of forest management, as we do not exceed the allowed quota.
“I understand the feelings of the NGOs, but at the same time they must understand the process that we go through as well. Of course we are not bulldozing the forest. Everything is done (with limits),” he added.
