NGO and residents urge the re-gazetting of a portion of the abolished Bubu Forest Reserve.

By Zaki Salleh
Photo: Pixabay

KUALA KANGSAR: The Perak state government is urged to re-gazette a portion of the abolished Bubu Forest Reserve (HS Bubu) covering approximately 404.6 hectares.

It involves the area in Mukim Senggang, Manong, near here, which is intended to be converted into agricultural land.

Friends of the Earth Malaysia (SAM) activist, Meor Razak Meor Abdul Rahman, said the abolishment involves a large-scale area, namely a portion of HS Bubu.

He said that the plan does not significantly benefit the socio-economic conditions of the local residents and, moreover, is feared to have a negative impact on the environment.

“The abolishment of a portion of HS Bubu is also contradictory to the Malaysian Forestry Policy 2021, which is committed to preserving forested areas.

“Sufficient forests are essential for ecosystem needs, biodiversity conservation, environmental protection, and sustainable resource utilization,” he added.

Furthermore, forest reserve areas have their own significance towards the socio-economic development of the country and the well-being of the present and future generations.

Earlier, a protest session was held with local residents expressing concerns about the development plan in a portion of the HS Bubu area.

Present at the event was Manong State Assembly Member, Berhanudin Ahmad.