Pay Pahang for conserving

KUANTAN: The Federal Government should set aside funds for the Pahang Government as the state endured losses when it conserved 1.981 million hectare or 55.09% of its total forest area.

Datuk Pang Tsu Ming (BN — Semambu) said the state government’s “sacrifice” for preserving large tracts of forest to protect the environment and water resources of the country must be taken into consideration.

“The state government has taken positive measures in providing a sustainable management of its forest. These are not only meant for the future generation but something that will benefit other states in the country as water can be supplied to them as well,” Pang said when debating the state budget yesterday.

In tabling the state budget last Friday, Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob had said the forest area conserved included the state park, wildlife reserves, water catchment areas, peatland, recreational forests, rivers and lakes.

To date, 1.4 million hectares had been gazetted as permanent forest reserve while another 74,120ha would be gazetted later, added Adnan.

Pang said if the state government had preferred to earn more income by developing the forest, the next generation would inherit huge losses and damages to the environment.

He also urged harsh penalty be imposed on those found to be involved in encroachment, illegal logging and mining.

On a different issue, Pang highlighted the plight of 12 children at the Tengku Ampuan Fatimah Charity Home in Alor Akar here who could not attend school because they did not have birth certificates.

“I hope the relevant authorities will look into this matter as they should not be denied the opportunity to get education,” he said.