Pahang Regent wants Green Border initiative that would protect 54,350ha in Pahang to be reviewed

KUANTAN: The Regent of Pahang has called on the state government to review a "Green Border" initiative to protect wildlife in the state.

Comptroller of the Pahang Sultan's Household Datuk Ahmad Khirrizal Ab Rahman said Tengku Mahkota Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah Al-Sultan Abdullah had been concerned about environmental issues happening in the state.

Tengku Hassanal said the area under the initiative encompassed the border of Pahang as long as 1,087km and about 500m wide with an area of 54,350ha.

"His Highness decrees that a large portion of this area must be gazetted as permanent forest reserves while areas that are owned properties should be developed in a sustainable manner in line with the environmental, social and governance concept," Ahmad Khirrizal said in conveying Tengku Hassanal's decree.

He added that Tengku Hassanal decreed that the area must become a completely protected zone for flora and fauna.

"His Highness strongly condemns poaching activities in Pahang. His Highness decrees that the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) conduct stricter enforcement to protect the wildlife in the state," said Ahmad Khirrizal.

He said Tengku Hassanal also decreed that strategic areas for wildlife such as Taman Negara, Taman Negeri Endau Rompin, tropical forests and jungles, Tasik Chini and Tasik Bera, Bukit Fraser, mountains, caves, water catchment and river areas, beaches and islands as well as Orang Asli settlements must continue to be preserved.

"His Highness decrees that the state government must intensify efforts to identify alternative resources as state revenue besides logging and mining activities.

"His Highness welcomes all parties interested in investing in Pahang with new ideas in line with the environmental, social and governance concept," said Ahmad Khirrizal.

On efforts to rehabilitate the Tasik Chini Unesco Biosphere Reserve, Ahmad Khirrizal said Tengku Hassanal had discussed with the state government and the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Tasik Chini Research Centre.

"His Highness decrees that rehabilitation efforts by planting suitable trees be expedited," said Ahmad Khirrizal.