IPOH: The Perak government has de-gazetted 548.1 hectares of the Segari Melintang Permanent Forest Reserve (HSK) and replaced it with a larger area of approximately 999.58 hectares of state land in Mukim Durian Pipit, Hulu Perak. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad announced that the replacement area has been officially gazetted as the Durian Pipit Forest Reserve through Government Gazette No. 1777 dated May 18, 2024.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Saarani explained that the de-gazetting was carried out under Sections 11 and 12 of the National Forestry Act 1984 (Adoption) 1985. This allows state authorities to de-gazette a forest reserve for economic uses deemed to have higher value than its current status. During a Q and A session at the State Assembly sitting, Saarani (BN-Kota Tampan) addressed concerns raised by Razman Zakaria (PN-Gunong Semanggol) regarding the state government’s mitigation measures and environmental issues connected to the de-gazetting of forest reserves, such as the Segari Meli
ntang HSK.
Saarani pointed out that prior reviews identified active quarrying activities and existing approvals for granite extraction within the Segari Melintang HSK, which is classified as a Production Forest and covers around 545 hectares. He emphasized that quarrying activities in the de-gazetted area must comply with mineral tenure regulations, including Mining Leases under the Perak Mineral Enactment (2003).
The mineral tenure application will also adhere to the provisions of several acts, such as the Mineral Development Act 1994 (Act 525), Environmental Quality Act 1974 (Act 127), and Town and Country Planning Act 1976 (Act 172), along with other relevant laws to promote sustainable quarrying practices. Saarani stated that the state government is reevaluating the suitability and potential of areas within Permanent Forest Reserves as protection forests and production forests to preserve the ecosystem of flora and fauna in these and other environmentally sensitive zones.
He reiterated the state govern
ment’s dedication to achieving environmental, social, and economic sustainability through sustainable forest management. Saarani mentioned that the outcomes of this reevaluation will be integrated into the Perak State Forest Management Plan 2026-2035. He also noted that the state government has reviewed the National Forestry Act (Amendment) 2022 (Act A1667) and is contemplating its adoption in Perak, with plans to present the proposal for consideration at the State Executive Council meeting.