No clear end to illegal land-clearing

CAMERONHIGHLANDS:The farmers here are unstoppable, with illegal land-clearing along Sungai Bertam, the scene of the flash floods that killed three people less than three months ago, back at full steam.

The Oct 23 tragedy, which saw tonnes of water from the Sultan Abu Bakar Dam released after it hit the dams maximum threshold limit following heavy rains, has failed to serve as a reminder to the more than 1,500 farmers operating in Bertam Valley.

Recent checks by the New Straits Times revealed fresh, full-scale farming along the river reserves and buffer zones, roadsides and hilly terrain notwithstanding.

Except for a few marked sections, where river widening and deepening activities are being carried out, almost every metre of the river reserve is dotted with rows and rows of leafy greens and flowers.

Even the spot where the body of the last victim was found was not spared, with preparations being made to plant flowers and vegetables.

A farmer, who wanted to be known only as Kamaluddin and operates a strawberry farm in Habu, some distance from Bertam Valley, said those affected by the floods were back in business within just a few days of the tragedy.

"They know that the river is off-limits because of the widening project, but they just can't be bothered.

"The debris from the floods was cleared within days and you can see the plots of vegetables now ready for harvesting."

The more than 80 houses destroyed in the incident had also been rebuilt, he said.

"Replacing the old dilapidated shacks and semi-wooden houses washed away by floods are concrete houses built close to each other mainly for their workers, who are mostly Indonesians and Bang-ladeshis.

Go here to see the original:
No clear end to illegal land-clearing