Perak: The Perak State Legislative Assembly today passed a Bill to adopt the National Forestry (Amendment) Act 2022 [Act A1667].
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, while presenting the National Forestry (Amendment) Act 2022 (Application) Bill 2026, highlighted that from 2023 to 2025, a total of 8,075 field monitoring activities were conducted across Permanent Forest Reserve areas. These efforts were aimed at enhancing control and ensuring early detection of encroachment and forestry violations.
Saarani further noted that during the same period, collaborative efforts with various enforcement agencies resulted in 13 integrated operations to bolster the effectiveness of enforcement. These operations led to the recording of 127 forestry offences, including 28 cases of illegal logging, and the detention of 228 individuals for further investigation. Out of the total cases investigated, seven were successfully prosecuted in court.
The enforcement actions culminated in RM1,155,450 in compounds and compensation, with an additional RM146,000 in fines settled under existing legal provisions. Saarani emphasized that these outcomes demonstrate the effectiveness of continuous enforcement and a collective commitment to forest management with integrity and efficiency. With the implementation of Act A1667, the authorities expect a significant enhancement in addressing forestry-related offences.
The Perak State Executive Council Meeting on May 29, 2025, had approved the adoption of the National Forestry (Amendment) Act 2022 [Act A1667], excluding specific sections. The Bill passed with a majority voice vote in the assembly.
Additionally, the assembly approved a motion to appoint members of the Selection Committee, led by State Assembly Speaker Datuk Seri Mohamad Zahir Abdul Khalid, with Deputy Speaker Jenny Choy Tsi Jen as deputy chairman. The committee, comprising six other assemblymen, will establish terms of reference and select members for Special Select Committees.
The assembly also passed a motion to establish Special Select Committees focused on topics such as Ageing Society, Urban Poor, Smart Cities, and Food Security. The sitting was adjourned to a date to be determined later.