Logging not cause of pollution at catchment pond: Pahang forestry

KUANTAN: The Pahang Forestry Department has denied allegations that logging activities caused the contamination of the water catchment pond at Bukit Segantang in Sungai Lembing here.
Its director, Datuk Dr Mohd Hizamri Mohd Yasin said logging activities were not carried out near the water catchment pond which was reportedly a source of water supply to about 100 residents in Kampung Kuala Kenau here.
He said the department had issued a logging licence in the area which was state government land and of non-virgin jungle status, involving an area of 25ha, divided into two blocks.
"The percentage of the current working status stands at 15 per cent and involves only block A. The water catchment area in question is at the location of Block B and so far, has yet to be worked on.
"We also conducted a field inspection at 5pm yesterday, and found that the catchment pond is still clear, not murky at all, and still used by some villagers," he said when contacted by Bernama here today.
Mohd Hizamri was commenting on today's media reports on the claims of Kampung Kuala Kenau residents that the 100-year-old water catchment pond was polluted since May 20, following logging activities carried out by Sintanmas Timber.
He said he had held a consultation session involving logging companies with representatives of the residents near the forest to get their views on March 14.
In addition to Kampung Kuala Kenau representatives, the session was also attended by representatives from Kampung Sungai Mas, Kampung Melayu Sungai Lembing, Kampung Jeram Takar and Kampung Orang Asli Sungai Mas, he said.
"During the session, there were no objections regarding logging activities by representatives of the people present and they also signed a letter agreeing to the logging activities," he added.
Mohd Hizamri said a logging licence in the area was issued and was effective from March 23 to June 22 and that his team constantly monitored the process of the logging activity's progress to ensure compliance with the law. — Bernama