KUANTAN: A special area plan for Tasik Chini is in the works to further improve area guidelines for the lake, which notably includes a proposal to increase the size of its surrounding biosphere reserve by over 30%.
Pahang Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail said the government, through the state planning committee, had been informed about the Tasik Chini Special Area Plan (RKK) (Amendment) draft.
He said a publicity and public participation programme had also been proposed to be held in October.
"Through this RKK draft, several main points have been taken into account, namely the proposed modification of the new boundary of Tasik Chini Biosphere Reserve from 6,951.44ha to 9,142.62ha. The RKK study covers an area of 55,586.12ha, which takes into account the threshold area.
"The proposed modification is in line with the new gazetting of the Chini permanent forest reserve with an area of 6,502.8ha under the National Forestry Act 1984 (Act 313)," he said in a statement on Wednesday (Sept 14).
Wan Rosdy added that the study also took into account the Central Forest Spine ecological network.
"The Tasik Chini RKK draft is under the Pahang State Park Corporation Enactment 2021 and the Pahang State Biodiversity Enactment.
"The Tasik Chini Biosphere Reserve Zone includes the Core Zone, Buffer Zone and Transition Zone as required by Unesco, while the threshold area is named Biosphere Peripheral Zone," he said.
Tasik Chini is the first Biosphere Reserve in Malaysia recognised by Unesco under its Man and the Biosphere programme on May 26, 2009.
Unesco had given Malaysia until Sept 30 to inform the world body about plans to restore Tasik Chini and its surroundings.
Energy and Natural Resources Minister Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan recently said the report on improvements made at the Tasik Chini Biosphere Reserve had been completed and would be sent to Unesco soon.
Wan Rosdy said the modification of the lake's environmental management strategy had also been proposed with improvements to the Environmental Sensitivity Plan as well as its management and implementation.
"I hope this Tasik Chini RKK (Amendment) draft will be a guide to the state government and local authorities so that any form of development in Tasik Chini is implemented without affecting the sustainability of this natural treasure," he said.
