KULIM: The Kedah Forestry Department has confirmed that planned logging activity in a 500-hectare plot in the Gunung Bongsu Forest Reserve has an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report approved in 2021.
In a statement yesterday, the department said the project, which involves compartments 15, 42 and 43 of the forest reserve, had its EIA report approved by the Department of Environment (DoE) on June 25, 2021.
It also said that through a Permanent Committee on Natural Revenues meeting on Dec 14, 2014, the application for the development of a forest plantation at the location was approved for Menteri Besar Incorporated (MBI).
However, the department clarified that the area had not yet undergone logging activities.
"This is due to the ongoing process of preparing the forest plantation management plan.
"The state Forestry Department has also not issued logging permits for this area," it said.
The department also assured that it will cooperate with other technical agencies to monitor the area if it is developed in the future.
"To ensure minimal environmental impact on residents, the area will undergo phased logging where the developer must complete phase one logging and fully replant the area before the next phase of logging is allowed," it said.
Yesterday (June 2), a group of 25 residents and environmental activists, led by Kulim PKR division chief Awang Teh, urged the Kedah government to halt alleged logging activities in the Gunung Bongsu Forest Reserve.
Awang said logging in the Gunung Bongsu Forest Reserve had raised concerns about potential ecological disasters, comparing it with the logging project in Iboi, Baling, which caused severe environmental damage.
Awang said that the project in the Gunung Bongsu Forest Reserve could affect the nearby area, which is surrounded by many villages and the Air Putih Waterfall recreational park.
He also questioned the EIA report approved in 2021, believing it did not fully consider the impact on the densely populated surrounding community.
Hence, he urged the authorities to review the EIA report and consider the views and concerns of residents.