KUANTAN: The Pahang government estimates that RM20 million is needed to restore an area of 600 hectares in Tasik Chini, Pekan which was badly affected by mining activities..
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail said the state government had allocated RM1 million from the rehabilitation trust fund for the effort, which is expected to begin in August.
The state government would also channel an allocation from the Forest Development Fund, and welcomes any individuals or non-governmental organisations who want to participate in the effort.
"Rehabilitation efforts will be implemented collectively between departments and in collaboration with education and research institutions in various aspects such as fauna, flora, hydrology and other related fields to meet the set objectives.
"The composition of the severely affected mine land is one of the challenges in the rehabilitation effort. The plan is outlined comprehensively to cover the biodiversity and hydrological aspects," he said in a statement after visiting Tasik Chini today.
Wan Rosdy said he also wrote a letter to the Energy and Natural Resources Ministry to seek assistance in restoring the second largest natural lake in Malaysia.
He clarified that the effort has begun two years ago by gazetting Tasik Chini as a permanent forest reserve in 2019, and not after the issue went viral on social media recently.
According to Wan Rosdy, the state Forestry Department had initiated the rehabilitation process in stages by planting various species of bamboo, ground cover plants and other suitable tree species such as Merawan Siput Jantan and Meranti Temak Nipis.
"The Orang Asli community in Tasik Chini will also be given the opportunity to take part in the rehabilitation effort through sapling production and the department will allocate some money to build nurseries for them," he said.
Wan Rosdy was optimistic that the efforts to rehabilitate Tasik Chini can be done, taking into account the success of restoring Sungai Ichat in Cameron Highlands which is now in Class One after years of being polluted due to illegal land encroachment for agriculture purposes.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Fri Jun 25 2021
The Pahang government estimates that RM20 million is needed to restore an area of 600 hectares in Tasik Chini, Pekan which was badly affected by mining activities. - BERNAMA filepic
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.