We need to stop illegal land clearing

PERAK Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir recently told a radio programme that 17,400ha of state land have been cleared illegally.

He said illegal land clearing had cost the state government millions in revenue. Although the problem is statewide, the activities are particularly prevalent in Batang Padang, Manjung and Perak Tengah districts.

The figure was based on initial findings by the state government. However, some believe that is not an actual picture of the situation, but merely the tip of the iceberg. A thorough investigation may reveal even more startling results.

Any discussion about illegal land clearing will always refer back to the massive mud flood in Sungai Bertam, Cameron Highlands, that killed three people.

It is without a doubt that illegal land-clearing activities and uncontrolled farming had led to the tragedy on Oct 23 last year. Sadly, three months after the incident, the farmers on the highlands were back to their old tricks.

Unlike Cameron Highlands, the culprits involved in illegal land clearing in Perak are believed to be members of syndicates.

The question which begs to be answered is whether any of the syndicates have been identified, let alone their masterminds nabbed?

How much longer will they be allowed to do as they wish before the law catches up with them?

A recent operation, dubbed Op Sahom, reportedly turned tense when authorities tried to clear an illegally cultivated land in Kampar.

There was a stand-off between the illegal farmers and the authorities, which led to the operation being called off following political intervention.

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We need to stop illegal land clearing