Mystery clearing of 'protected' land in Kinta Valley is for an orchard, says PKNP

IPOH: The 20ha of "protected" land near Bukit Kledang that was cleared for an unknown project is actually for an orchard, says the Perak State Development Corporation (PKNP).

The corporation said in a statement that the clearing was part of a 160.06ha plantation project.

“The state Environmental Department has given the project its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) dated on Jan 21, 2009, to approve the clearing.

“We have appointed Insan Permata Sdn Bhd to conduct the clearing, whereby they received the license from the state Forestry Department from Nov 1 until Jan 31 next year, ”

On Dec 8, environmentalist groups found out about the 20ha land clearing for an unknown project at Bukit Kledang that falls under Kinta Valley Geopark.

Sahabat Alam Malaysia field officer Meor Razak Meor Abdul Rahman, who noticed the clearing, questioned the action as it contradicts the state government's decision to protect the geopark area.

On Tuesday (Dec 10), Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu, who is also the PKNP chairman, had said he was not aware of the project.

PKNP went on to claim in the statement that the project would provide a positive impact on the ecosystem of the forest.

“The clearing is necessary in order to avoid any landslides or interrupt the ecosystem. The project has followed its Environmental Management Plan accordingly.

“As a responsible government agency, it is our duty to enhance the economy and socio-economy in the state, and we believe this project will help in both sectors, ” read the statement.