Set up independent committee to investigate correlation between logging and recent floods in Pahang, urges assemblyman

KUANTAN: An independent committee needs to be set up to investigate the correlation between logging and the recent floods that struck the state, says a PKR state assemblyman.

Semambu assemblyman Lee Chean Chung said the state government's recent order to temporarily stop logging activities issued through the Pahang Forestry Department seemed to admit that logging was one of the factors that caused the floods.

"However, such a temporary freeze cannot solve the problem. The fact is, logging and deforestation have caused damage but the covert internal actions and transactional relationships including suppressed information have left the people unaware of what has actually happened.

"I urge the Barisan Nasional, Perikatan Nasional government to set up a comprehensive and transparent independent investigation committee to provide clarification to the more than 10,000 flood victims and the people nationwide," he said.

Lee, who is also PKR treasurer-general, said logging and deforestation in Pahang was not a new issue and it was complicated due to the involvement of various parties.

"But the Pahang government has chosen to remain silent for a long time.

"I raised this issue in the state Budget 2022 debate that 26% of the state government's revenue is from logging and mining. If the state government itself has several subsidiaries directly involved in logging activities, how will they solve this problem?" he said.

The state Forestry Department recently issued a temporary stop-work order on logging activities in the state during the monsoon and flood season.

The department said in a letter that a decision had been made to temporarily cease all production and transportation of timber from logging areas in Pahang starting Jan 3 until further notice.

In confirming the authenticity of the letter, state Forestry Department director Datuk Dr Mohd Hizamri Mohd Yasin said the order to halt logging activities and timber transportation during the flood season was to ensure the safety of department staff, logging workers and road users.

Lee said the state government needs to make an immediate decision to set up an independent committee comprising political parties as well as environmental non-governmental organisations to conduct investigations.

He said investigations must be conducted transparently and resolutions should be submitted based on the results.

"Don't wait until the people become victims of floods to pay attention. It will be too late then," said Lee.

The state Forestry Department had said there was no evidence found of any logging activity in the Lentang forest reserve as alleged to be the cause of a flow of wood debris during the recent floods.

The department said a review on the issue of timber piles in Jalan Bentong-Karak near the Karak Road Transport Department weighing station and the Sri Telemong bridge instead found that there were two water surge incidents.