Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said this was decided at the 79th National Land Council meeting held virtually yesterday, attended by federal ministers, chief ministers and menteris besar.

In a statement, Ismail said that there are currently 127,050.25ha of forest plantation development zones in permanent reserves in the country yet to be allocated to any company for use.

“Before the moratorium is imposed on these areas, state governments wishing to continue the development of forest plantations must conduct detailed consultations with the energy and natural resources ministry to ensure the companies appointed comply with all conditions set out in their concession agreements and other relevant legislation,” he said.

The meeting also agreed that amendments to Sections 11 and 12 of the National Forestry Act 1984 be tabled during the first parliament meeting of 2022. Its application will depend on states amending relevant local laws, he said.

It was also decided that all state governments must enact legislation to punish illegal exploration of permanent forest reserves by June 1 next year.