SEREMBAN: Negri Sembilan state government has denied illegal logging activity in Lenggeng forest reserve as alleged by an individual in a Facebook post recently.
Menteri Besar Aminuddin Harun said investigation conducted by the state Forestry Department found that the picture uploaded by the man, which showed the forest area had been cleared, was an old picture.
“That’s an old picture which was uploaded again and further investigation found that the owner of the Facebook account is a government employee here.
“For me it’s an outrageous accusation. I will not defend any problem in the state if it is true, but this is slander,” he told a press conference after chairing the Exco Meeting at Wisma Negeri here yesterday.
Aminuddin said he had directed a police report to be lodged following the allegation as it had tainted the image of the state government.
He stressed that the government was prepared to accept criticism and views from anyone, but they must be carried out responsibly.
“If it is defamation we have to take action especially if it is done by government employees. It has been widely reminded that civil servants should be responsible and serve the government.
“If there is any complaint, please submit to us and it will be investigated. We will take action if it is proven to be true,” he said.