Guard our forests

Guard our forests
Thursday February 28, 2008

EVERYONE would have high expectations of a cool journey when driving through highland roads. However, our drive from Simpang Pulai in Perak to Gua Musang in Kelantan was not that pleasant.

Before reaching the Blue Valley from Simpang Pulai, we came across a huge area facing serious soil erosion. From afar, we could see that one side of the mountain was eroding. A lot of sediment was deposited at the bottom of the mountain, and it could be observed from a distance.

Approaching the Blue Valley landfill, we could see solid waste which was not disposed of in a proper manner. The sight was very bad, especially for tourists who would like to enjoy the beauty of Cameron Highlands .

After crossing the Kelantan border, I noticed that huge areas were deforested for plantations and logging. There were also traces of open burning throughout the journey.

We have also observed that Sungai Berok and a few other rivers were murky, especially Sungai Berok which was reddish.

Such large-scale land clearing will affect not only the mountains and hills which have been cleared, but also the water supply in the downstream areas, the reserve forest next to it, animal habitats and eventually the whole ecosystem.

Many such incidents are rampantly taking place. It becomes a daunting question as to who is responsible for such unsustainable development.

It is also evident that hill development contributes to global warming, loss of animal habitats and eventually it affects human beings. We should take measures to prevent such incidents from reoccurring.

Logging causes deforestation. Some of the trees take hundreds of years to grow while others can grow from within a period of 50 to 100 years. If we plan from now, a sustainable timber industry can be created by reforestation. However, the loss of habitat to the flora and fauna cannot be measured and recreated.

All agriculture-based deforestation must be studied carefully, and good agricultural practices maintained in these areas.

This includes prevention of soil erosion, discharge of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers to the water body and hill slope and protection against landslides.

There are organic agriculture methods available. Our farmers must be taught of such methods to ensure good quality agricultural products are available, and at the same time ensure a sustainable agricultural industry.

Some quarters claim that creating new plantations after deforestation can reduce the impact on the environment.

However, no real proof has been presented with proper third party verification on such claims.

The environment desk of Fomca hopes more meaningful sustainable development would be carried out. These beautiful forests cannot be recreated once they are lost.

The Economic Planning Unit should come up with a more sustainable development plan with the cooperation of all government agencies and industries.

There should be national concern over these crucial important issues.

PIARAPAKARAN SUBRAMANIAM,
Programme Manager,
Environment Desk,
Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca).

Source: The Star Opinion