Stop logging near reserves

LIPIS, 3 Nov -- Bunga Rafflesia terkecil di dunia dikenali sebagai Padma tikus atau bahasa sainstifiknya Rhizanthes Lowii terdapat di Hutan Mukim Batu Yon, Merapoh, yang pokoknya ditebang untuk aktiviti pembalakan ketika tinjauan baru-baru ini.Pembukaan hutan seluas 668 hektar dibimbangi akan menjejaskan sektor eko pelancongan dan khazanah alam flora dan fauna unik di samping menjejaskan gua-gua batu kapur yang cantik antaranya Gua Hari Malaysia.--fotoBERNAMA (2017) HAK CIPTA TERPELIHARA

IT is with grave concern that environmentalists and conscientious citizens read the state and forestry authorities’ rationalising of the logging activities in Batu Yon and land surrounding the Merapoh Forest Reserve in the Kuala Lipis area by claiming that logging is carried out on land owned by the Agriculture Industrial Development Board (LKPP) and not directly on the forest reserve land.

The Merapoh forest, estimated to be 130 million years old, is home to endangered species which include elephants, tigers, tapirs, sun bears and deer, as well as rare flora such as the rafflesia (pic). Its spectacular limestone caves form a vital part of Malaysia’s natural heritage. All of these natural wonders are now under threat as a result of logging and roadworks in their vicinity.