God save our Forests

I read with utter dismay, the news report that our dwindling forest reserves are again being threatened Preserving K. Langat South peat swamp forest . What makes this issue even more upsetting is the fact that the State Govt has apparently turned back on its policy of banning any further encroachment in this area. Orders made in 2008 prohibiting logging from this reserve have now apparently been revoked, and greedy businessmen, with only an eye for profits have been active since, asking for logging licences again.

Unfortunately, efforts made by State and Federal Govts to protect the environment, like the banning or limiting the use of plastic bags, will come to naught, if with the stroke of the pen, the same State Govts approve forest reserves to be exploited for plantation and other projects. What is the use of designating these areas as Reserves then?

Looking at the big picture, there is no end in sight for these destructive policies, as under the Constitution, Land, Forests and Water are matters of the State. What our leaders and politicians have to do is to agree to that these matters should be treated as part of our Heritage, and to be protected as such in a bi partisan manner, not as at present, when these priceless resources and assets are used to reward cronies and for short term monetary gains. Change we must, if we want to leave our valuable flora and fauna for our future generations. To me, allowing a Timber corporation to cut down a 100 year old tree from a virgin forest for immediate gain is like allowing murder to be committed in front of our eyes. Do our leaders have the courage to change?

I don't think so.... God save our Forests