Ministry to continue discussion with Sarawak govt on forest-clearing issue

KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Primary Industries will continue its discussion with the Sarawak government on the issue pertaining to the development of an oil palm plantation in the vicinity of Sarawak’s Mulu rainforest.

The development on private land is said to have led to forestclearing at the rainforest, apart from adversely impacting the forest’s wildlife.

Primary Industries Minister Teresa Kok Suh Sim said she was worried that reports on forest clearing in the Mulu National Park would jeopardise all the good efforts done by the federal government.

“I am worried the claim that an oil palm plantation is encroaching into the Mulu Caves area will undermine all our efforts and good intentions and will further adversely affect the palm oil market overseas.

“I hope they (the Sarawak government) can handle the issue in a transparent and wise manner. It is a bit difficult for the ministry, being under the federal government, to take action (as land is a state matter) but I hope we can work together to resolve the issue,” she said.

It was reported that an oil palm plantation company was clearing the forest to open up a 4,400-hectare plantation. As a result, 300 indigenous people who live there from the Penan and Berawan communities set up human blockades to stop the forest- clearing.

According to Kok, Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas told her that the episode was just a ‘misunderstanding.’ Kok said: “I do not want to hurt my relations with the state government, as I need the cooperation of Sarawak smallholders for the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil certification.” — Bernama