13,402ha of Perak forest reserves de-gazetted, 6,149ha re-gazetted

KUALA LUMPUR: The degazettement of permanent forest reserves in Perak was carried out to make way for agriculture, Orang Asli settlements, highway construction and other utility projects, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.

Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, who was tasked with the responsibilities of the natural resources and environmental sustainability minister, said records from the Perak Forestry Department showed that a total of 13,402ha of forest reserves were degazetted between 2018 and 2024.

“However, the state government, through the department, has been actively carrying out re-gazettement efforts to replace the affected areas.

“As of last year, 6,149ha have been re-gazetted,” he said in response to Chong Zhemin (PH-Kampar).

Chong had inquired about the number of forest reserve areas that have been degazetted in the state since 2018.

In response to a supplementary question, also from Chong, on the remaining permanent forest reserves in Perak, Johari said there are three main categories of forested land in the state.

“Currently, there are 986,000ha of permanent forest reserves, 24,500ha of state forests, and 5,100ha of protected areas,” he said.

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

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