KUCHING: A plantation company has been penalised for causing the massive floating debris and drifting deadwood incident at Sungai Krangan in Balai Ringin, about 90km from here, according to the Sarawak Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB).
In a statement, the board said the company was found to have carried out uncontrolled bulldozing and land clearing in the buffer zones along the river within the plantation.
“NREB is conducting a thorough investigation to determine if there are additional violations within the buffer zones.
“If additional violations are found, we will initiate an investigation and legal action will be taken against the responsible parties, including bringing them to court for prosecution,” according to the statement.
As part of remedial measures, it said the company had been instructed to immediately remove and clear all debris and logs obstructing the river, which is essential to restore the normal flow, prevent possible flooding and protect the water intake point and the livelihoods of local villagers, Bernama reported.
“The company is also required to rehabilitate the degraded areas by planting native tree species at the affected buffer zones. This measure is necessary to restore ecological balance and prevent similar environmental damage in the future,” it said.
NREB said the incident has led to significant environmental and socio-economic impacts, threatening the water intake point that supplies water to the Balai Ringin water treatment plant.
“The affected river is not only vital for water supply but also serves as an important resource for the local population,” it added.
According to local media, the blockage issue was brought up by Balai Ringin assemblyman Datuk Snowdan Lawan on Monday.
Snowdan, who is a deputy state minister, was quoted as saying that he was fed up with the culprit and the blockage had affected village fishermen since they have to use the river to send their catch to town daily.
