SUNGAI PETANI: The Perikatan Nasional (PN) state government has not approved a new logging concession in Kedah since assuming power in 2020, said Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor.
He said the logging concessions for 80,000 hectares approved by the previous administrations that involved sensitive zones will be relocated to less sensitive areas.
"Yes, there are new application but we have not approved them, even applications by state-owned companies.
"Forest reserves we will not allowed, we want to preserve the forest reserves.
"Our focus now is to settle concessions that were approved (by the previous administrations) which will take 18 years to be completed," he told reporters after launching the state-level World Environmental Day celebration at Dataran Tsunami, Kota Kuala Muda here today.
Present were state Public Works, Natural Resources, Water Supply and Environmental Committee chairman Mohamad Yusoff @ Munir Zakaria, Department of Environmental (DoE) director-general Datuk Wan Abdul Latiff Wan Jaffar and state DoE director Sharifah Zakiah Syed Sahab.
Sanusi added that his administration is firm that logging concessions that have been approved in sensitive zones to be relocated to less sensitive areas.
"We have asked the concession holders involved in sensitive areas to consult the state Forestry Department to identify lesser sensitive areas.
"This comprise sensitive zones that may lead towards environmental pollution and disturbing water resources and the local residents' livelihood.
"However, if there is no other option, we will have to allow the logging to proceed since the state government risk facing legal suit for not honoring the concessions since they have paid (royalty to previous state governments)," he said.
Sanusi added that the policy is part of the state government's commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and the Environmental, Social and Governance Goals (ESG).