DATUK Seri Takiyuddin Hassan has denied that logging activities are taking place in the Gunung Inas forest reserve following the severe flash flood and water column phenomenon that occurred in Baling, Kedah yesterday (July 4).
According to the Energy and Natural Resources Minister, the Peninsular Malaysia Forestry Department’s investigation found that the trees in the flood debris are not timber as they were swept away with their roots intact.
“We want to correct misconceptions that active logging was the cause of the floods along Sg Kupang in Baling,” he told Bernama.
According to the Kota Bharu MP the department’s official report noted that there is a forest development in the reserve since 2019 with approval from the Kedah state government.
He said the forest development was carried out for reforestation purposes and so far, more than 5,000 trees had been planted in the 52ha area.
Mud floods in Baling yesterday had resulted in the evacuation of hundreds of residents in the vicinity, with more than 80 houses affected.
Meanwhile, the bodies of three missing family members, including a four-month pregnant woman, were found today after strong currents swept their house away when floods hit Kg Iboi, Kupang yesterday.
They are housewife Salmah Mat Akib, 53, her pregnant daughter-in-law Nurul Anis Abu Hassan, 23, and son Mohd Khairul Ikhwan Nor Azman, 14.
The Fire and Rescue Department announced that Salmah and Anis were found dead at about 9.30am, while Khairul Ikhwan was found at 11.55am. – July 5, 2022
