NO NEW PLANTATION AREAS TO BE OPENED - JOHARI

SUNGKAI, Dec 12 (Bernama) -- No new plantation areas will be opened in forested regions to ensure the country’s forests remain preserved, said Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.

The Plantation and Commodities Minister, who is also performing the duties of the 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 told a press conference after visiting the National Wildlife Rescue Centre (NWRC) here today.

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According to Johari, in 1992, Malaysia made a pledge to maintain at least 50 per cent of its land mass under forest and tree cover. 

He added that 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.

He added that this measure is also intended to prevent the illegal export of protected species and ensure more effective enforcement in protecting the country’s environment and unique wildlife.

-- BERNAMA