Outdoor activities to be suspended

KUANTAN: In anticipation of the monsoon season, recreational activities, logging and mining will be suspended for two months starting Nov 15.

State Secretary Datuk Seri Muhammad Safian Ismail said those who failed to adhere to the orders would have to face the consequences, including legal action.

He said the state government and agencies felt that logging and mining could result in serious consequences, including floods in certain areas.

“Those who to carry out logging between Nov 15 and Jan 15 (when the activities are suspended) will face punishment from the Forestry Department, while the same applies to other activities,” he said after chairing the Pahang Disaster Management Committee meeting here yesterday.

Speaking on the three-hour meeting, Safian said 664 evacuation centres and 117 forward bases had been identified.

He said based on the weather forecast, rain was expected to hit Pahang in mid-November and the highest rainfall was expected between December and January.

“If rainfall distribution, which is expected for a month, hits in a day or two, then it will trigger major floods. Coastal areas, including Kuantan, Pekan and Rompin, are among areas prone to major floods. All flood relief centres will receive food supplies sufficient for three days, while areas in Pulau Tioman, Bukit Bangkung, and Ulu Tembeling will receive one week’s supply.”