KUALA LUMPUR – Hybrid durian trees are not among the 11 species approved for the forest farm in Kedah’s Gunung Inas, which became a controversial location after the fatal flash floods earlier this month.
Energy and Natural Resources Minister Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (Kota Baru-PAS) told Dewan Rakyat today that the Musang King durian plantation project in Gunung Inas has violated terms on forest farms.
“The list of approved trees does not include hybrid durians, but it was still implemented in Kedah between 2017 and 2019. In 2019, the state government approved the planting of Musang King trees – 20% of the approved land area.
“The Kedah Forestry Department saw this as a violation of its terms,” he said in response to Datuk Seri Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim (Baling-BN) who demanded answers on public safety following the floods.
Takiyuddin’s ministry has been appointed to be the lead agency for preliminary investigations into the Baling floods, although calls for a royal commission of inquiry were ignored.
Umno’s Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah was Kedah menteri besar between February 4, 2016 and May 10, 2018 before the state fell to Pakatan Harapan. Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir took over as menteri besar from May 11, 2018 to May 17, 2020.
The state is currently helmed by PAS’ Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor.
Also, Takiyuddin said it is for the state government to decide if the 5,000 Musang King trees in the 52ha plot will be destroyed.
“The federal government can only provide advice and technical views but not enforcement.”
He added that the affected areas around Gunung Inas are still unstable and at risk of landslides and rock slides.
“The ministry has issued a notice to the state government on July 22, alerting the danger zone and development areas.”
Early this month, Azeez submitted to Sanusi a memorandum signed by 900 residents calling for a stop to the durian project.
Sanusi had said that there was no confirmation of the allegation made by residents over the durian plantation in Gunung Inas. Instead, he claimed it was rainwater accumulation.
The July 4 incident resulted in three deaths and hundreds of residents evacuated as well as damaging more than 80 houses. – The Vibes, July 26, 2022
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