Deforestation: Natural Forest Under Threat

Over 3.2 million hectares of the country's natural forest are under the threat of deforestation, according to environmental watchdog RimbaWatch. The group said its analysis of last year's concession data revealed that the land areas were within concession boundaries. This represent 16 percent of our remaining forest cover. If this deforestation occurs, Malaysia’s forest cover will drop below 50 percent of our landmass, thereby constituting a failure of Malaysia’s commitment to maintaining 50 percent forest cover. The overall 3.2 million hectares of deforestation is almost equivalent to an area the size of Pahang.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org

According to RimbaWatch, its data analysis also revealed that 2.4 million hectares of the said area are under the threat of deforestation to make way for timber plantations. It urged the country to immediately end all conversions of forest reserves to make timber plantations. Malaysia should also expand on its 50 percent forest cover commitment. Transparency is needed. Malaysia’s reporting agencies are little more than Greenwash deception.

The problem of greed will not go away. One of the easiest ways to make money is to fell trees! It oils the political machine and is the “bread and butter” for many elite groups. Unless we have a popular movement, it is difficult to reverse current thinking.

References:

Deforestation: Data reveals 3.2m hectares of natural forest under threat, Malaysiakini, 28 May 2024

Malaysia’s rainforest threat is focused on Sarawak, Sarawak Report, 2 June 2024