Forest reserve degazettement subject to conditions, procedures, says Pahang MB

Pahang's Menteri Besar, Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail, explained that the state's decision to degazette permanent forest reserves is not arbitrary but adheres to strict controls, conditions, and procedures. This stance stems from Pahang's perspective that land and forests are a state matter, hence the government should manage them. This approach is not exclusive to Pahang, as other states have also taken similar actions.

Wan Rosdy affirmed that the state views land and forests as a state matter, thus justifying its management by the state government. Furthermore, he highlighted that the process has been successful so far, subject to certain conditions. When questioned about the state's decision not to hold a public inquiry prior to the degazettement, Wan Rosdy emphasized that the state's jurisdiction over land and forest management was the basis for this decision.

Additionally, Pahang was reported to be the fourth state not to implement two key safeguards under the National Forestry Act (Amendment) 2022, namely conducting a public inquiry and providing replacement land before an area is removed from permanent forest reserves. Wan Rosdy also announced an interest-free loan initiative aimed at encouraging youths aged 18 to 21 to pursue tertiary education.

This initiative will be included in the 2027 Pahang budget during the upcoming state legislative assembly sitting.