Penang Forestry Department to intensify monitoring of mangrove forests

GEORGE TOWN (Nov 16): The Penang government will intensify monitoring activities in efforts to prevent encroachment and destruction of mangrove forests by irresponsible parties, said Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow (pictured).

He said the state government viewed seriously the clearing of mangrove forests on reserve and state-owned land.

"The state government is disturbed by recent news on the destruction of the mangrove forest in Juru, Bukit Tengah, in the Seberang Perai Tengah district.

"The indiscriminate clearing of the mangrove forest is an irresponsible act and is very much regretted. In view of this, the state forestry department would conduct regular monitoring and enforcement around mangrove forest areas," he said in reply to a question from Gooi Hsiao Leung (PH-Bukit Tengah) during the state assembly sitting here today.

Chow said the state forestry department with its limited manpower would strive to ensure that mangrove forests in the state were well-protected from those out to make illegal profit.

"As a proactive step, the department will carry out intelligence and will be quick to act on public complaints.  In addition four-wheel drive vehicles have been provided for the team to monitor clearing activities at the sites including through satellite tracking,” he said.

He said it was an offence to remove forest produce under Section 15 of the National Forestry Act 1984 which carries a maximum fine of RM500,000 or a maximum of 20 years imprisonment, if convicted.