By: Zaki Salleh
IPOH: Authorities are being urged to protect and conserve environmentally sensitive areas in Segari, Manjung, Perak from activities that could threaten the natural ecosystem and environmental well-being.
This call was made by several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and local communities under the Rakan Segari coalition.
The concern arises from activities currently underway and planned that appear to be inconsistent with both state and federal development policies and regulations.
These threats to the natural ecosystem could have immediate and long-term impacts on the socio-economic well-being of the local community.
Meor Razak Abdul Rahman, Field Officer for Sahabat Alam Malaysia, representing Rakan Segari, said that the most affected groups are fishermen and the tourism sector at Teluk Senangin Beach.
Among the ongoing activities is sand mining at Pantai Pasir Panjang, which threatens turtle nesting areas, fishing activities and disrupts wildlife habitats.
“Additionally, logging activities aimed at quarrying approximately 122 hectares in parts of Compartments 19, 20, and 21 of the Segari Melintang Forest Reserve are threatening the coastal areas.
“Furthermore, aquaculture activities have been detected in parts of Compartment 34 of the Segari Melintang Forest Reserve, leading to water pollution in Sungai Gelam,” he stated.
He also highlighted the proposed construction of an iron and steel plant at Pantai Pasir Panjang, which poses a threat to turtle nesting areas and fishing grounds.
“Similarly, the proposed oil and petrochemical processing plant in Tanjung Hantu could threaten fishing grounds, the tourism sector and destroy natural coastal forest habitats.
“Another objection is against the proposed Baitul Hilal observation complex next to Baitul Hilal at Pantai Pasir Panjang, which threatens turtle nesting areas,” he added in a statement.
According to Meor Razak, based on the National Physical Plan (RFN) documents, all turtle nesting areas in Peninsular Malaysia are categorized as Level 1 and 2 Environmentally Sensitive Areas, which cannot be developed.
“Only low-impact eco-tourism activities, education, and research are allowed in these areas.
“The coastline from Pasir Panjang Recreational Forest to Pantai Pasir Pandak, Tanjung Hantu, is frequently recorded as a turtle landing site, based on the discovery of nests and egg collection by licensed egg collectors appointed by the Fisheries Department.
“Furthermore, it is noted that the beach and sandbanks at the Sungai Puyu estuary are where the highest number of nests are found.
“However, the discovery of nests and egg collection has drastically decreased since sand mining activities began at Pantai Pasir Panjang,” he added.
