KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah State Legislative Assembly yesterday approved provision expenditure for 2013 amounting to RM4.088 billion.
The state budget was tabled by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman, who is also state Finance Minister, on Oct 19, 2012 and was debated since Oct 22.
The assembly also approved the Forest Enactment amendment (Constitution of Forest Reserve and Amendment) 1984 to dissolve 4,560.2 hectares (ha) of permanent forest reserves in the state and replaced by the establshment of 4,642.68 ha permanent forest reserves.
Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department, Datuk Radin Malleh said seven forest reserve areas were dissolved for development and given communal titles.
These were Tanjong Nagas (708ha), Mount Pock (1,388ha), Gumantong-Guluang-Gesusu (590ha), Bukau Api-Api (1,239ha), Dalit (512.20ha), Kuala Bonggaya and Kuala Labuk (102ha) and Lahad Datu (21ha).
He said four government land areas were identified for the establishment of forest reserves namely Silimpopon (1,902ha), Dalit (740ha), Menumbok (2,000ha) and a piece of land, which was already given ownership in Kuala Penyu measuring 0.678ha, through land reacquisition process.
The assembly also approved amendment to the Environment Protection Enactment 2002 to improve and strengthen the enforcement of laws related to the protection of the environment.
According to state Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun, the total compounds issued by the Environment Protection Department increased every year since 2009, from RM99,000 to RM325,300 this year, reflecting the negative attitude of developers towards the safety of the environment.
Also approved were amendment to Rubber Industry Board (LIGS) Enactment to clearly state the collection of rubber cess and functions and power in the administration of LIGS, and amendment to Rubber Industry Replanting Fund Ordinance 1954 to determine LIGS’ role and power in cess collection and rubber replanting as well as utilisation of replanting cess in a more efficient and clear manner. —Bernama