GUA MUSANG: Barisan Nasional has called on the Pas-led government to address allegations that it recently approved 54 companies to explore 33,000 acres of forest in this district.

Kelantan opposition leader Syahbuddin Hashim said he based his claims on records of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs).

He noted that these projects have been ongoing since 2022.

"If these claims are accurate, they contradict the state government's current freeze on new forest exploration approvals," said Syahbuddin, who is also the Galas assemblyman and Nenggiri deputy by-election director.

He provided details of the approvals, which he said cover a range of activities from farming to mining in Gua Musang, primarily in the Ulu Nenggiri area.

The approvals, he noted, were granted from 2022 to the present.

"I urge the state government to clarify this situation," Syahbuddin said at a press conference today.

He also alleged that some of the companies receiving these concessions are not Bumiputera-owned, are based outside Kelantan, and have been established for less than a year.

Syahbuddin criticised the state government for the impact of these exploration activities on local villagers, including the Orang Asli community.

He claimed that for the past 34 years, the destruction of the local environment has caused significant hardship for residents while the state government has reaped the benefits without returning any profits to the people.

Meanwhile, Kelantan deputy Menteri Besar

Datuk Dr Mohamed Fadzli Hassan said he would refer the matter to the Forestry Department, the Gua Musang Land and Mines office and other relevant agencies before responding to Syahbuddin's statement.

Fadzli who is the state Regional Development, Natural Resources, Integrity, Human Development and Law committee chairman said he will also need to get the actual data first before giving the statement.

"I need to refer this matter to the relevant department and agencies first and l also want to get the right information before l respond to this," he said when contacted.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/08/1087652/pas-led-government-issued-54-approvals-forest-exploration-kelantan-bn