Kuala Lumpur: The National Forestry (Amendment) Act 2022 (Act A1667) comes into effect today in the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, and Labuan. Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad stated that the amendments to the National Forestry Act 1984 are designed to enhance and strengthen the management of permanent reserved forests (HSK) and improve forest enforcement.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Act A1667 comprises 62 provisions involving amendments and improvements. These include the process of excising and replacing HSK by introducing public inquiries, as well as the appointment of federal forestry officers to inspect and investigate individuals suspected of committing forestry offences. The amendments also introduce increased fines and penalties for forestry offences, with maximum fines ranging from RM20,000 to RM5 million, prison sentences of seven to 20 years, and measures to address ambiguities and unclear authorities.
The enforcement of Act A1667 in the Federal Territories is being implemented alongside the National Forestry (Federal Territories) (Amendment) Rules 2025 [P.U.(A) 50/2025], which mandates public inquiries before any HSK area is excised. Nik Nazmi highlighted that the enforcement of P.U.(A) 50/2025 positions the Federal Territories as the second state to have legislation and procedures for conducting public inquiries before excising HSK areas, following Selangor. These rules can serve as a reference for other states currently drafting their own subsidiary legislation to enforce Act A1667.
Nik Nazmi also noted that the total HSK area in the Federal Territories currently stands at 152.97 hectares, with 84.689 hectares in Kuala Lumpur and 68.281 hectares in Labuan. He added that the Federal Forestry Department (JPWP) is working to expand the HSK area by gazetting Bukit Dinding in Ulu Kelang, covering 20.05 hectares. Through this gazettement, the area will be protected and preserved as a green space, serving as a green lung for the surrounding areas.