Malaysiakini Team
Published: Sep 2, 2026 9:17 PM
Updated: 11:18 PM
Environment
The Peninsular Malaysia Orang Asli Villages Network has expressed concern over widespread deforestation in permanent forest reserves in Ulu Gua Musang, and urged the Kelantan government to explain.
“We are seeing a reality very different from claims that our forests are being preserved. That is why we are calling for an independent audit and for land status data and maps to be disclosed to the public,” Bernama quoted the group’s representative Nur Syafiq Dendi Abdullah as saying.
He said the clearing of forests for commercial crops has affected Orang Asli customary land rights, threatened water sources, and escalated human-wildlife conflict.
He urged the state government to publish comprehensive maps of the affected areas, and to impose a moratorium on approving new developments in areas claimed by the Orang Asli pending an independent audit and investigation.
I have driven through the East-West highway every one or two years for many years.
ReplyDeleteThe comparison with 10-15 years ago is startling. Large stretches of previously untouched jungle have been cleared for commercial and agricultural use.