The department’s director, Muhamad Abdullah, said the advertisement could be the work of scammers.

“There is something amiss about this advertisement, possibly a scam. They’re just trying to make some money.

“My advice to the public is, don’t easily fall for such advertisements. Don’t be easily influenced. If you want certainty, refer to the department as we are ready to assist,” he said, according to Berita Harian.

The advertisement on Facebook indicated that 40-year-old trees and the whole 404-hectare logging area at Gunung Inas were on sale for RM15 million.

Muhamad said his department is investigating those behind the advertisement after concerns were raised that the alleged sale of the land could lead to floods and landslides.

In July 2022, the Kampung Iboi floods near Baling affected more than 1,000 villagers, destroying 17 homes and claiming four lives.

Following the incident, residents urged the state government to shut down the durian farm at Gunung Inas and to drain out three retention ponds at the mountain’s peak claimed to have triggered the tragedy.

However, Kedah menteri besar Sanusi Nor said he was informed by the energy and natural resources ministry, as it was then known, that the flash flood was a geological disaster and not caused by the durian farm.