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

Tasik Bera, a vast wetland lake system in Malaysia, situated amidst forests and farmlands primarily tilled by the Semelai Orang Asli people, has reportedly witnessed a massive deforestation episode, according to the state enforcement unit. Over 7,000 hectares, equivalent to 70 square kilometres, of the permanent forest reserve were allegedly bulldozed for commercial farming, specifically oil palm and rubber plantations, reported Saifullah Muhammad Ali, chief of the enforcement unit.

The revelation came after a series of joint operations conducted since September 14, in collaboration with the state forestry department, wildlife and national parks department, and local police.

Ali suspects that foreign syndicates are orchestrating this ecological devastation by exploiting the Semelai Orang Asli community. These syndicates allegedly deceive the indigenous community into clearing their land under the pretense of claiming customary land rights and accessing roaming areas. Even in areas inhabited by as few as six Orang Asli families, the land clearing extended up to 404 hectares, or four square kilometres.

On September 15, police apprehended a man and four women, aged between their 30s and 60s, for obstructing the efforts of enforcement officers during an operation at the Tasek Bera conservation forest reserve. Zulkiflee Nazir, the Bera police chief, revealed that while enforcement agencies were executing their duties, an unscrupulous group was constructing barriers and provoking the officers, all while carrying out their illicit activities.