JOHOR BARU – All of Johor’s forest eco-parks, as well as hiking and four-wheel-drive vehicle tracks in permanent forest reserves remain closed to the public until further notice, said state Forestry Department director Datuk Salim Aman.
He said the closure notice was issued as a precautionary measure to avoid any untoward incidents during the prolonged rainy season.
He also advised the public not to enter these areas illegally, as the current rainy weather in Johor makes the areas risky.
“Seven districts in Johor have also been hit by floods, so we do not want to encourage any hiking, extreme activities, and so on, especially in areas with sources of water where there is a risk of flooding,” he said when contacted here today.
Salim said that areas closed include hiking tracks at Gunung Berlumut, Kluang; Gunung Bekok, Labis, and Gunung Panti, Kota Tinggi.
Also affected are Sg Batang in Bekok, Labis; Gunung Pulai in Kulai, and Taka Melor, Segamat.
He added that periodic monitoring will be carried out by the department’s staff to ensure no violations of the notice.
Violations can be acted upon under the Johor State Forestry (Utilisation) Enactment 1985, he said.
The closure notice was posted earlier on the Johor Forestry Department’s Facebook page. – Bernama, January 26, 2023
