Comptroller of the Pahang Sultan’s household Ahmad Khirrizal Ab Rahman said Tengku Hassanal issued the order after a surprise visit to Tasik Chini yesterday to check on claims that mining activities had been taking place around the area.
Quoting a statement by the Pahang palace, Bernama reported that Tengku Hassanal also called for all mining activities around Tasik Chini to be brought to a halt.
“Tengku Hassanal also went through Pahang menteri besar Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail’s report on the mining activities as well as recovery and conservation efforts being carried out by the state government.
“He agreed with the state government’s decision not to issue any new mining approvals since 2019. However, he also called for current mining activities in the Tasik Chini area to cease,” Khirrizal said.
The Regent also hoped that Tasik Chini would be prioritised in terms of financial allocations and sustainable development by both the water and environment ministry as well as the tourism, arts and culture ministry.
“Tengku Hassanal said Tasik Chini is an environmental gem in Pahang and its global recognition as Malaysia’s first Unesco-designated biosphere reserve must be protected.”
Last week, a heritage group had urged Wan Rosdy to cancel the approval of mining activities near Tasik Chini involving a company linked to royalty.
The Association for the Protection of the Natural Heritage of Malaysia said the mining approval was given for Lot 89798 in Penyor, Pekan, a 40.51ha piece of land just 3km from Tasik Chini.
Two days ago, the Pahang Land and Mines Office said no new mining licences were issued after an area of 4,600ha in Tasik Chini, Pekan, was gazetted as Chini Forest Reserve on March 13, 2019.
It said 14 licences had been issued before the gazettement and of that number, only two were still operating. One licence will expire at the end of this month and the other at the end of this year.
The Pahang environment department had also dismissed claims that Tasik Chini’s pristine condition was on the decline, maintaining that the lake was not polluted while an analysis found that its water was clean and safe.