An area 100x of Kuala Lumpur has been earmarked for deforestation according to an environmental group called RimbaWatch (“RW”). In their study titled “State of Malaysian Rainforest 2023”, Malaysia has deforested 359,244 hectares between 2017 and 2021. The highest rates of deforestation is in Sarawak and Pahang.
According to them a further 2.3 million hectares of forests in Malaysia have been earmarked for deforestation. This is an area 100x the size of Kuala Lumpur and larger than Perak, Penang and Melaka combined.
Source:
https://en.wikipedia.org
Timber logging outfits were the highest driver of past deforestation (between 2017 to 2021). They accounted for 42% of deforestation followed by oil palm plantations (15%).
In 2017, Malaysia had a forest cover of 18.3m hectares or 55.5% of total land area. In future it could decrease to 15.6m hectares or 47.4% of total land area. This is below our commitment to maintain 50% of its land as forest cover (pledged by Malaysia in Rio Earth Summit of 1992).
Why does this happen? Lack of centralised monitoring; lack of commitment and profit motive of private entrepreneurs. “Forest cover” must include only natural forests not plantations – rubber or oil palm.
What is the consequence? Flooding, landslides, wildlife habitats destroyed and eco-balance jeopardised.
What can be done? Commitment to step-up reafforestation; halt any further deforestation especially in Sarawak and Pahang; create greater awareness on preservation of our forests; examine carbon trading for those impacted by measures to stop deforestation and use our forests for eco-tourism.
Land is a state matter and many elites are involved in this business. It requires strong Federal persuasion to halt this act of killing our trees and wildlife. Otherwise, we will have more floods and then blame it on God!
Reference:
Area 100 times of KL set up for deforestation, says environmental group, FMT Reporters, FMT, 20 March 2023
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