KUALA LUMPUR – Eight people have been caught encroaching on the Panti Forest Reserve in Kota Tinggi, said the Johor Forestry Department today.
In a statement, the department said patrol teams, including police, found seven men and one woman at the Sg Pelepah Kiri waterfall. The individuals were then taken to the Batu Ampat police station for questioning.
To enter permanent forest reserves, one has to obtain a permit from the state Forestry Department.
Violators face up to a RM10,000 fine or a jail term not more than three years, or both, if found guilty.
This comes after a report over the alleged encroachment on Gunung Panti by almost 20 hikers.
The department received a public complaint that a hike took place without a permit on December 20. – The Vibes, December 28, 2020