7,000ha of Tasik Bera forest reserve ‘illegally cleared’

Illegal land encroachment in the Tasek Bera Permanent Forest Reserve has been estimated to cover over 7,000 hectares, or about 9,800 football pitches. Pahang State Enforcement Unit head Saifullah Muhammad Ali revealed that an integrated enforcement operation, launched on September 14, discovered parts of the reserve being cleared for oil palm, rubber, and various cash crops.

Authorities believe that illegal syndicates from outside Pahang are exploiting the Orang Asli community to carry out these unlawful activities, under the guise of customary land and Orang Asli roaming areas. In one instance, a settlement with only six houses had 1,000 acres cleared, and Saifullah questioned whether this constituted subsistence farming.

Provocative actions by certain individuals have also hindered the authorities' efforts, with Orang Asli blocking roads and placing incense pots to obstruct enforcement personnel. The operation, involving around 160 personnel from various agencies, began on September 14 to curb illegal syndicates cultivating oil palm within the forest reserve.

Thousands of Orang Asli villagers near the lake have been seeking negotiations with authorities after receiving notices in June to vacate parts of the Tasek Bera Conservation Forest Reserve, allegedly encroached upon by them. Despite the enforcement efforts, some villagers have refused to allow the team into their villages, leading to arrests for obstructing enforcement personnel.

The Pahang Orang Asli Affairs Committee chairman, Datuk Seri Syed Ibrahim Syed Ahmad, stated that the state government is willing to assist affected individuals, but delays in providing a list of residents have impeded their efforts.