Speaking to FMT, Peka President Shariffa Sabrina Syed Akil said that although the logging was carried out by a licensed contractor, there were no signs of compliance with the standard operating procedures imposed by the state government.

“There should be a buffer zone by the side of the river, but they (loggers) still cut the trees along the side of the river in Janda Baik.

“That’s why all the sediments flow into the river, causing the waters to become shallow and polluted.”

Shariffa reminded that river pollution would lead to the destruction of water catchment areas, a vital source of obtaining drinking water.

“It is not only about flora and fauna … there is the matter of water catchment areas.

“Where are we going to get our water if they keep destroying water catchment areas?

“No forest means no water. No water means our rivers will dry up eventually.”

As a result of rampant logging, the severe deterioration of nature has resulted in a drop in tourist visits, causing eco-resorts operating nearby to suffer a loss in income, she said.

“Janda Baik used to be cold and it also has beautiful rivers.

“But now, the villagers and the people running these eco-resorts there are saying that the rivers are shallow and are not clean any more.

“The loggers are destroying nature and there is no enforcement by the authorities at all.”

According to Shariffa, her group and residents in Janda Baik were set to demonstrate against the rampant logging in front of the Umno building in Janda Baik tomorrow.

“The residents of Janda Baik have had enough already.

“They are losing water catchment areas and rivers to the excessive logging.”