“Illegal logging does occur (in Kelantan). There are villagers who want to open orchards, plant durian trees and oil palm, so they cut down trees in forest reserves,” Kelantan deputy menteri besar Nik Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah said.

“Under the law, it is wrong to encroach into a forest reserve. We will not compromise and will take action against those who commit these offences,” he said after an exco meeting in Kota Darulnaim today.

When asked on claims that illegal logging had driven tigers to roam into Orang Asli villages in Gua Musang, Amar again denied that notion.

“Tigers do not enter villages because of deforestation. We have read a statement from the Kelantan wildlife and national parks department (Perhilitan), which says that tigers entered the village because they were sick.

“Tigers roamed in the village because they could not find food. It is not right to blame logging.”

Amar advised the Orang Asli in the area not to leave their homes and added that assistance was being provided to villagers who were affected.

He said so far, there were no plans to relocate the affected residents, as they were more comfortable in the settlements and did not wish to move to a new location.