Sabah forest reserve management in for changes

SANDAKAN: There will be changes in the management of forest reserve in the state in line with the new Sabah state government, says incoming Sabah Forestry Department Chief Conservator, Mashor Mohd Jaini.

According to him, the department will be transparent in implementing programmes on forest reserve management including its conservation.

“With the new approach, the state government led by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Shafie Mohd Apdal will proceed to protect the environment and forest,” he told reporters after closing a School Teacher Environment Education Course at Sepilok Rainforest Discovery Centre near here yesterday.

Mashor, 56, who was earlier the Sabah Forestry Department Sustainable Forest Management division head was appointed last month to replace Datuk Sam Mannan who went on compulsory retirement

At the same time, the department is practising an open policy to receive criticisms and suggestions from any parties on forest reserve management in the state.

Asked on the roles of the department in combating the problems of wild animals in forest reserve following the discovery of 26 dead elephants since January this year, Mashor said it is a gargantuan task and challenge for the department as reserve forest covers a huge area in the state.

He said the preservation of wildlife in the forest has become a priority for the department with other related agencies such as the Wildlife Department and nongovernment organisations.

According to him it is carried out via enforcement of existing laws and awareness programmes involving communities living in and near the forest.

“It is not easy to manage human and wildlife conflicts in the 3.9 million hectare forest reserve,” said Mashor.