7,000ha hutan simpan Tasik Bera disyaki diteroka secara haram

In Pahang, authorities have cracked down on extensive illegal logging activities within the permanent forest reserve of Tasik Bera, covering approximately 404.68 hectares. The Upper Pahang National Park Unit (UPNP) reported that over 7,000 hectares of the Hutan Simpan Kekal (HSK) were affected by illegal commercial plantations of oil palm and rubber.

UPNP chief Saifullah Muhammad Ali stated that the crackdown involved 160 personnel, along with members from the State Forestry Department, Pahang Wildlife and National Park Department (Perhilitan) Pahang, and Bera District and Land offices. He also mentioned the presence of safety control from the Bera police and Battalion 7's Mobile Response Unit (PGA).

Saifullah asserted that there were also suspected external syndicates manipulating Orang Asli communities to open up large areas of land, exploiting the notion of ancestral land and rainforest. During the operation, he noted that a few regions had only around six Orang Asli households, yet the surveyed area stretched to 404.68 hectares.

Last Wednesday, media reported that police detained five individuals allegedly obstructing the UPNP's efforts while conducting the operation on September 15. Bera Police Chief Zulkiflee Nazir reported that they apprehended a man and four women aged between 30 to 60 years to assist the investigation under Section 186 of the Penal Code.

He said that during the UPNP's enforcement operation under the National Forestry Act 1984, a group of individuals were found obstructing and provoking a team of authorities.