SOS from our fragile highlands

Tractors clearing land on the slopes of a development in Lojing Highlands along the Central Spine Road

I REFER to the report on the rampant deforestation (due to logging and/or agricultural activities) taking place in the Gua Musang area, especially at the pristine Lojing Highlands in Kelantan, “The hills of Lojing stripped bare” (The Star, Oct 1). The river water in the area is now polluted with pesticide residue, heavy metals and silt from the eroded highlands, killing fish and other river life.

Furthermore, an area the size of 20 football fields near Lojing Highlands was reported to have been cleared for growing durian, “100ha of forest reserve now a durian orchard” (The Star, Oct 1).