Kuala Lumpur:Logging companies are now required to provide bonds or deposits to ensure they meet their obligations for restoring and replanting licensed forest areas, as stated in the Dewan Rakyat today.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh, explained that this measure aims to enforce compliance with forest conservation requirements. In response to a question from Fathul Huzir Ayob (PN-Gerik), Syed Noh confirmed the collection of bonds or deposits for replanting, emphasizing the selection of tree species that support wildlife habitats in regions like Hulu Perak.

Replanting efforts are tailored to the local forest ecosystem with active participation from local communities, including the Orang Asli. High-value tree species such as kapur, merawan kancing, kelat, tembusu, and merbau are among those planted. These initiatives have also provided economic benefits to the Orang Asli through job creation and income opportunities.

In Pahang, a seedling buy-back guarantee scheme involving the Orang Asli and local communities has been implemented in Tasik Chini, Cameron Highlands, Janda Baik, Pekan, and Rompin. Notably, the initiative in Tasik Chini has resulted in 94,050 trees being planted, with RM398,766 paid out.

In Sabah, local communities participate in planting and forestry projects, supplying approximately 200,000 seedlings for a habitat restoration project in the Lower Sugut Forest Reserve. Meanwhile, in Sarawak, community involvement extends to seedling preparation, planting, maintenance, and monitoring as part of forest landscape restoration initiatives and the Greening Sarawak Campaign.