DEVELOPMENT: Be rational about land clearing

04 June 2013| last updated at 11:11PM By T.K. Chang, Petaling Jaya, Selangor

There are no two ways about it. Land has to be utilised for development, whether for agriculture, infrastructure or property. So long as the clearing of land is carried out responsibly and according to engineering standards, it should not be labelled as "rape".

How else could development be carried out otherwise?

The self-styled nature lovers and environmentalists are so passionate about saving the trees and environment, yet they are the same people complaining about poor infrastructure, lack of affordable housing and pricey houses, poor economic growth and inadequate opportunities for employment and for business development.

Land clearing is necessary for economic development, and not all of it is illegal, nor translates into the destruction of nature.

I hope the press will not continue with one-sided lambasting of land clearing. The press has to educate the people that there needs to be a balance between utilisation and preservation of land.

It would be most enlightening to hear from more knowledgeable people about how to develop the country, house the people and create employment opportunities without clearing any land and cutting down some trees. I wait with bated breath to be educated.

If people want houses, then land clearing is necessary.

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DEVELOPMENT: Be rational about land clearing