In a statement today, the Pahang state forestry department (JPNP) said a check at both locations found wood waste scattered on the road, bridge and much of the river.

It was speculated on social media that this was due to logging activities, but it was in fact garbage from the water head incident in Sungai Temeriak, Sungai Kerau and Sungai Timbul that occurred on Dec 18.

“A review found that the water head incidents at the two locations started at Lentang forest reserve due to continuous heavy rain for three days from Dec 16, which led to major flooding in Bentong on Dec 18,” it said.

“The aerial survey also found many traces of landslides in hilly areas within the Lentang reserve. These carried soils, rocks and trees that drifted into Sungai Temeriak, Sungai Kerau and Sungai Timbul due to very strong water currents.”

According to JPNP, the field inspection also found various tree trunks and wood waste consisting of various species including forest trees, durian, rubber and oil palm.

JPNP added that the water head incident at the two locations had nothing to do with logging activities on Sungai Gapoi government land, as claimed by some parties, because the activity was 16km from Telemong Bridge and 23km from the Bentong-Karak road.