OVER RM3mil has been allocated to the Johor Forestry Department to protect the state’s natural reserves, says Johor health and environment committee chairman Ling Tian Soon.
He said the department would use the fund to carry out 14 forest rehabilitation initiatives.
“Among the initiatives are replanting, enforcement and the construction of fences and pedestrian walkways.
“This is part of our commitment to ensuring that economic and infrastructure development in Johor goes hand-in-hand with conservation efforts and sustainability,” he said after launching the state-level World Forestry Day in Muar.
Also present were Forestry Peninsular Malaysia deputy director-general (Policy and Planning) Datuk Roslan Rani Ling, Johor Forestry Department deputy director Mohd Syahrir Azrin Salleh and Sungai Balang assemblyman Selamat Takim.
Ling said more than 178,061ha of land in Johor were covered by forests, which made up about 23.1% of the entire state.
“We hope to increase the figure to 30% by 2030 to ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy and preserve the beauty of nature and the environment,” he said.
Ling said the state government would also build a special wildlife crossing to reduce human-animal conflicts.
“We are currently conducting preliminary studies and clearing trees in the affected area.
“Construction is expected to begin soon, and we aim to have the link completed by February 2028,” he said.
Ling said the crossing would be built along the main road connecting Kahang and Mersing, also known as the Central Forest Spine (CFS).
“The area is surrounded by forest and serves as the boundary between the Labis and Mersing reserve forests and Kota Tinggi.”
He said in the past videos of wildlife crossing the road to move between the two forest areas had gone viral.
“Therefore, the construction of this dedicated crossing is necessary to ensure the safety of both road users and wildlife.”
Ling said the project, estimated to be worth over RM66mil, would stretch 1.275km, including a 200m viaduct bridge measuring 8m high.
