KUANTAN – The Pahang government estimates that RM20 million is needed to restore an area of 600ha in Tasik Chini, Pekan, that has been badly affected by mining.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail said the state government has allocated RM1 million from its Rehabilitation Trust Fund for the purpose, with restoration works expected to start in August.
The state government will also channel allocation from its Forest Development Fund, and welcomes the participation of individuals and civil society groups.
“Rehabilitation works will be implemented collectively by government departments, and in collaboration with education and research institutions,” said Wan Rosdy in a statement issued after his visit to Tasik Chini today.
“The composition of the severely affected land is one of the challenges in the rehabilitation effort. The (rehabilitation) plan is comprehensive, covering the aspects of biodiversity and hydrology.”
He said he has written to the Energy and Natural Resources Ministry, seeking assistance to restore Malaysia’s second-largest natural lake.
Such efforts began two years ago with the gazettement of Tasik Chini as a permanent forest reserve, and not only when the issue went viral in recent weeks, he said.
Wan Rosdy said the state Forestry Department initiated the rehabilitation by planting various species of bamboo, ground-cover plants and other suitable trees, such as Merawan Siput Jantan and Meranti Temak Nipis.
“The Orang Asli community in Tasik Chini will be given an opportunity to take part in the rehabilitation effort through sapling production. The state government will allocate money for them to build nurseries.”
He expressed optimism that the area’s rehabilitation will be carried out successfully, pointing to the restoration of Sg Ichat in Cameron Highlands as a Class 1 river after years of being polluted due to illegal encroachment for farming activities. – Bernama, June 25, 2021
