Wan Junaidi (with cowboy hat), Dr Abdul Rahman (left) and others gesture after the launch of the Mobile Community Transformation Centre (CTC) at Pulau Salak in Kuching.
KUCHING: The government is committed to preserving more than half of its forests in the country.
Several measures have been taken, and it was now up to the state governments and its agencies to ensure them. Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said in Sarawak, for example, the government had to make sure its forest rangers receive additional training.
“Under Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem, Sarawak is committed in ensuring its forests are protected and no new logging licences will be issued. Licence holders who flout the law will have their licences revoked,” he said at the launching of a Mobile Community Transformation Centre (CTC) at Pulau Salak yesterday.
Asked on the size of forests that have to make way for development, Wan Junaidi said in the peninsula, about 86,000 acres had been used for development.
“However, in Sarawak, the government has succeeded in preserving 68 per cent of the original forest.” On the Mobile CTC, Wan Junaidi said it was a programme under the National Blue Ocean strategy to improve service to the people.
“The concept is similar to the Urban Transformation Centre (UTC) in cities. Through this, those staying in the rural will not need to fork extra cost to get to the nearest agencies or departments for any service. They are brought to their footsteps,” said Wan Junaidi, who is also Santubong MP.
Also present at the event were Assistant Minister for Public Utilities Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, who is also Pantai Damai assemblyman, and state Federal Finance Officer Datu Jabidah Monseri.