Minister urges Ramsar compliance at Tasik Bera forest reserve

PUTRAJAYA: Natural resources and environmental sustainability minister Arthur Joseph Kurup has called for full compliance with the wise use principle at the Tasik Bera permanent forest reserve, a designated Ramsar Site. He emphasized that unauthorised exploration, logging, and farming must be addressed properly and in accordance with existing laws to safeguard the ecosystem and wildlife habitats.

Established on August 30, 2007, under the National Forestry Act 1984, the Tasik Bera Conservation Forest Reserve was identified as a Ramsar Site in 1994. Recognized for its unique wetland ecology and biodiversity, the area holds international significance. Kurup, as the coordinator for Malaysia's adherence to the Ramsar Convention, remains vigilant about conservation efforts in the wetland region.

The ministry backs the Pahang government's integrated enforcement action against unauthorised exploration activities, which reportedly involve over 2,212 hectares within the permanent forest reserve. This action is in line with the 79th National Land Council meeting's decision from December 2, 2021, which stressed the importance of state enforcement measures against such activities under Act 313.

Kurup affirmed that the ministry respects the Pahang government's authority over the management and administration of permanent forest reserves but will continue to coordinate at the federal level, fostering strategic cooperation to ensure effective preservation and conservation efforts. This collaboration is crucial in supporting Malaysia's commitment from the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro to preserve at least 50% of the nation's land area under forest and tree cover.

The forestry department aims to strengthen cooperation with the Pahang government and related agencies to achieve this goal.