KOTA BARU, Oct 20 — The logging issue involving an Orang Asli settlement in Gua Musang can be easily solved if there are no masterminds instigating the community, said Kelantan Deputy Mentri Besar Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah.

He said the state government was looking into several reports related to the issue after discussions with several agencies including the Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA).

"From our findings there is some confusion in the initial report which for instance said the government is to be blamed.

"This is incorrect because the government acts according to existing rules and regulations without denying the Orang Asli of their rights,” he told reporters here, today.

On October 3, the state government issued a suspension on logging activities at Balah Forest Reserve, Gua Musang after more than 200 Orang Asli settlers formed a barricade along Kampung Petei, Pos Bering in Gua Musang preventing timber lorries from entering and leaving the forest reserve since September 26.

The settlers urged the logging activities to be stopped as the Balah Forest Reserve was close to their settlement area and they claimed the logging had affected the natural environment and their source of income. — Bernama