KOTA BARU – Energy and Natural Resources Minister Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said that no state has reported having exceeded the annual felling ration (CTT) set by the government thus far, or issued new licences for forest plantation projects.
He said this was due to the government’s proactive focus on protecting the country’s natural resources.
“Although forests are under the state government, in terms of administration and management, they are under the state forestry departments and the federal Forestry Department, which controls each production licence.
“There is no denying the fact that there is also illegal encroachment on forests, but monitoring and enforcement is often carried out against these illegal loggers,” he said.
He said this after visiting former Kelantan FA coach and prolific striker of the 90s, Hashim Mustapha, at his residence near Kg Guchil Bayam here today.
Takiyuddin, who is also the MP for Kota Baru, also said no new forest plantations were licensed by any state after the recent implementation of a 15-year moratorium on approvals for new forest plantations in permanent forest reserves in the peninsula.
“The state government may allow a company to replant a forest plantation. It can cut down an area and the company has to replant the new trees.
“I can confirm that no more new forest plantation licences have been issued. When no new licences are issued, there is no more forest exploration,” he said.
Meanwhile, in another development, Takiyuddin said a total of 27 million trees of various species were planted nationwide last year under the 100 Million Tree Planting Campaign 2021-2025. – Bernama, May 6, 2022
