MB refutes claim that uncontrolled logging caused floods

KOTA BARU: The Kelantan government has refuted a statement by Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak that human negligence through uncontrolled logging may be a cause of the floods in Kuala Krai.

Mentri Besar Datuk Ahmad Yakob said the Prime Minister should have spoken to the state government before making such a statement.

“The logging system in Kelantan has complied with the quota of 5,960ha a year set by the National Land Council.

“And the forest management by the government adheres to (the terms of) the certification of MC&I SFM, an independent international body, while the land opened by any party must have an Environmental Impact Assessment report.

“The natural disaster that ravaged Kuala Krai may have been caused by unusual rainfall as reported by the Meteorological Department and by illegal land opening by loggers, and the government has stepped up the monitoring of such activities,” Ahmad said in a statement here.

Najib on Tuesday, during a visit to Kuala Krai, told reporters that human negligence, including illegal logging activities, might be a cause for the devastating floods in the district.

The Prime Minister said the rampant opening of land especially for logging had an effect on the environment because there was then no natural retention to stop water from flowing directly to the river swiftly.

He added that the numerous logs floating in the river also had an effect when they became stuck under the bridges blocking the water from flowing and thus spilling over to the surrounding areas resulting in major floods.

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