LOSS OF MANGROVES SPELLS TROUBLE
Things will go from bad to worse if flood defence system is no longer in place, says lecturer
LOW-LYING areas here are hit by floods more frequently and many believe clearing mangrove forests in the vicinity will make things worse.
Residents along a 20km stretch in Jalan Pasir Mas-Rantau Panjang claimed that in the past, floods would occur only during the monsoon season.
That has changed, and will worsen if it continues.
Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) senior lecturer Zulhazman Hamzah said the mangrove forest along the route acted as a water-catchment area that eased the floods.
“It contains underground salt water intrusion and serves as a habitat for many wildlife and bird species,” said Zulhazman, of the Earth Science Faculty.
“If more plots of the forest are cleared for development, whether by private companies or government agencies, it will change the ecosystem.
“This area is one of the lowest in the state and is a flood-prone area.
“Things could go from bad to worse if its natural defence system is no longer in place,” said Zulhazman, who is also the state Malaysian Nature Society vicechairman.
“Development in the area requires land reclamation. If plans are approved, they should come with flood-mitigation systems to offset the role of the forest as a water-catchment area. Otherwise, they should not be approved.”
The university plans to mark plots of land to be protected so that it can reduce the impact of land development on the ecosystem.
He said the major floods that occurred in Bandar Baru Tunjung in early September were a clear indication of the aftermath of forest clearing.
He said UMK was identifying areas to be gazetted as protected forest reserves.
He, however, said it was racing against time.
Kelantan Forestry director Datuk Zahari Ibrahim echoed similar sentiments on the need to protect the area.
“We urge researchers, non-governmental organisations and individuals with suggestions or ideas to better protect the area to engage us,” said Zahari.
He lauded efforts by UMK to find ways to protect the mangrove forest, as well as reiterating the Forestry Department’s commitment to preserve the state’s forest.
“The findings by UMK’s research team can be considered before development projects are approved.
“This will ensure more sustainable projects that benefit the people and, at the same time, reduce floods,” he said.
A Kampung Meranti resident, Zaharah Hussin, said floods had been occurring more frequently in her village.
“In the past, we would only be worried during the monsoon season. But these days, we worry every
Development in the area requires land reclamation. If plans are approved, they should come with flood-mitigation systems to offset the role of the forest as a water-catchment area.
ZULHAZMAN HAMZAH Universiti Malaysia Kelantan senior lecturer
time it rains,” said the 68year-old mother of six.
She claimed this happened after more development projects were carried out in the area, including the clearing of mangrove forests.
Odd-job worker Zamri Abu Bakar said the authorities, including the local government, should consider the impact before approving development projects.
“Many of them, including the contractors, are not aware of the consequences of forest clearing,” said the 46-year-old man from Rantau Panjang.