IPOH: The Perak government has de-gazetted 548.1ha of the Segari Melintang Permanent Forest Reserve (HSK) and replaced it with a larger area of about 999.58ha of state land in Mukim Durian Pipit, Hulu Perak.
Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad (pic) said the replacement area has been fully gazetted as the Durian Pipit Forest Reserve through Government Gazette No. 1777 dated May 18, 2024.
He explained this was carried out under Sections 11 and 12 of the National Forestry Act 1984 (Adoption) 1985, which allows state authorities to de-gazette a forest reserve for economic uses deemed higher than its current use.
“The de-gazetting process requires replacement with an area of approximately similar size,” he said during a question and answer session at the state assembly sitting here yesterday, Bernama reported.
Saarani (BN-Kota Tampan) was replying to a question by Razman Zakaria (PN-Gunong Semanggol) about the state government’s mitigation measures and concerns regarding environmental issues, particularly the de-gazetting of forest reserves like the Segari Melintang HSK.
Saarani highlighted that prior reviews revealed active quarrying activities and existing approvals for granite extraction under the classification of a Production Forest, covering an area of about 545ha within the Segari Melintang HSK.
He noted that quarrying activities in the de-gazetted area would be subject to mineral tenure regulations such as Mining Leases under the Perak Mineral Enactment (2003).
The mineral tenure application will also align with the provisions of the Mineral Development Act 1994 (Act 525), Environmental Quality Act 1974 (Act 127), Town and Country Planning Act 1976 (Act 172), as well as other relevant laws to ensure sustainable quarrying practices.
“To preserve and protect the ecosystem of flora and fauna in these areas and other environmentally sensitive forest zones, the state government is reevaluating the suitability and potential of areas within Permanent Forest Reserves as protection forests and production forests,” Saarani added.
He affirmed the state government’s commitment to environmental, social and economic sustainability in achieving the objectives of sustainable forest management.
“Consequently, the outcomes of this reevaluation will be incorporated into the Perak State Forest Management Plan 2026-2035.
“The state government has reviewed the National Forestry Act (Amendment) 2022 [Act A1667] and is considering its adoption in Perak.
“The proposal to adopt Act A1667 will be presented for deliberation at the State Executive Council meeting,” he said.
