Logging activities has become a heated issue in Malaysia as of late which have triggered the rakyat's anger.
They are furious to witness our natural heritage that is hundreds of years old, being constantly exploited to the extent that it is impacting the surrounding habitats.
Despite their overwhelming anger, now enter a new issue that threatens forest sustainability.
Sinar Harian on Monday (Jan24) reported the sale of permanent forest reserves were detected in Gua Musang, Kelantan by syndicates who trespassed into the permanent forest reserves and cultivated the reserve area by planting palm trees in certain areas.
It is clear to see that the country is currently facing a serious crisis of forest destruction.
If we do not take this matter seriously, many of our natural heritage will be destroyed by irresponsible individuals.
Therefore, the government needs to immediately establish and implement a specific plan to protect the forest in the country.
The existing laws need to be enhanced meanwhile harsher punishments needed to be enacted.
At the same time, the government should be firm in putting a conclusive stop to the logging activity and deemed the activity as illegal in the country.
Take Norway as an example, their love and care towards nature has led the country to cease logging activities and they refuse to import and export products that contribute to such activities
According to The Global Forest Goals Report 2021 issued by the United Nations (UN) Economic and Social Affairs Department, the forest is the habitat of 80 per cent of animal species and the source for 75 per cent of clean water on earth.
This means the destruction of forests will cause the extinction of flora and fauna as well as destroy water catchment areas.
Therefore, it is the responsibility of every party to protect the earth that has been given by Allah SWT for the sake of everyone.