Kelingkang Range timber licences have expired, says Len Talif

THE government has issued five timber licences for areas along the Kelingkang Range in Sri Aman.

However, Assistant Minister of Urban Planning, land Administration and Environment Datu LenTalif Salleh, said all the licences which were issued in 1997 and covering an area of 7,232ha have expired.

Len told the august House this when answering Bukit Bengunan assemblyman Datuk Mong Dagang, who has asked about the number of timber licences being issued along the area and the total acreage involved.

Replying to Batu Danau assemblyman Paulus Gumbang, Len said that the government has allocated RM4 million to develop Gunung Buda National Park.

He pointed out that RM500,000, which is part of the allocation, would be used for development and management of the park, adding that Forestry Department was in the process of appointing a consultant for the works.

Len also said that species like flying fish and black swiftlets which are found in Gunung Buda National Park are rarely found elsewhere and thus becoming a suitable place for scientists to do research.

According to him, the National Park would be open for the public once proper infrastructures are completed, adding that the government has approved an allocation to build the necessary infrastructure.

Proper infrastructure was necessary before the Park is opened for the public for safety reason.