KUALA LUMPUR – Unsatisfied with Energy and Natural Resources Minister Datuk Seri Takiyuddin’s answer in Parliament concerning the Gunung Jerai disaster, opposition chief Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim demanded an investigation into the matter.
Noting Takiyuddin’s explanation that Gunung Jerai was not within the boundaries of the Ulu Muda Forest Reserve, Anwar said the Kota Baru MP’s statements were both inaccurate and confusing.
“Because of the drainage basin that has occurred in the area, the ministry should perform a comprehensive investigation of encroachment activities in the forest.
“The Kedah Forestry Department said that they have identified 3,500ha of forest reserve land in the state that have been illegally encroached on since 2011,” Anwar said.
Quoting Universiti Sains Malaysia Hydrology expert Prof Chan Ngai Weng, Anwar said climate change is only a minor reason for the disaster.
Anwar said the main factors are attributed to logging, development, agriculture, and the region’s reclassification from virgin forest to residential land.
Referring to Sahabat Alam Malaysia, Anwar said the stagnant water is clear evidence of rampant logging, with both federal and state governments needing to act swiftly.
Anwar’s response came after Takiyuddin attributed the landslides and floods that wreaked havoc at Gunung Jerai in Kedah last month to an “act of God”.
He said this in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday, in response to a question by Sabri Azit (Jerai-PAS) on what efforts are being taken by the government to restore the area following the fatal water column phenomenon.
“This is an act of God, takdir (fate) Allah,” he said.
On August 18, floods hit Yan and Kuala Muda, both near Gunung Jerai, killing six. – The Vibes, September 21, 2021
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