Clear-Cutting Practices Accelerate Forest Loss in Kelantan Highlands, Impacting Indigenous Communities
KOTA BHARU: The widespread use of clear-cutting methods in forest plantation development is increasingly accelerating forest degradation in the upper regions of Kelantan, placing growing pressure on Orang Asli communities that rely heavily on these ecosystems.
Nenggiri assemblyman Mohd. Azmawi Fikri Ab. Ghani warned that the scale of forest plantation approvals has significantly surpassed controlled logging activities conducted under the Annual Allowable Cut (CTT) framework.
He noted that the imbalance between development and environmental conservation is becoming more pronounced, with far-reaching consequences for rural and indigenous populations.
“The forest is not merely a physical space—it is the foundation of Orang Asli livelihoods, culture, and economic survival,” he said.
According to him, large-scale land clearing has disrupted traditional roaming grounds, degraded water resources, and undermined ecological stability in affected areas.
He also highlighted a concerning gap between deforestation and reforestation efforts, with replanting rates estimated to be below 30 percent.
Providing context, he pointed out that in 2021 alone, more than 6,000 hectares were approved for forest plantations, compared to only about 1,200 hectares under the controlled logging quota. Similar trends continued in 2024 and 2025, with thousands of additional hectares approved.
“This imbalance clearly indicates that forest loss is occurring at a much faster rate than recovery efforts,” he added.
Azmawi further claimed that several Permanent Forest Reserve (HSK) areas, including Perias Ulu Nenggiri, Sungai Brok, and Relai Balah, have been subjected to extensive clearing activities.
The environmental and social consequences are already evident, with local communities experiencing increased encounters with wildlife, water contamination issues, and a decline in overall environmental quality.
He called on the state government to urgently reassess all existing forest plantation approvals and to impose a temporary freeze on new projects.
“Immediate action is necessary to safeguard environmental sustainability and protect the rights and livelihoods of Orang Asli communities before the situation deteriorates further,” he stressed.
-wilayah.com.my
