KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 22 — Conservation group Protection of Natural Heritage of Malaysia (Peka) has alleged that three out of four logging concessionaires operating in Kedah’s Ulu Muda Forest Reserve (HSUM) are running on expired licences.

Its administrator Norhayati Shahrom added that the only company with a valid licence issued by the Central Kedah District Forestry Department is Sing Ta Nian Sdn Bhd, Malay daily Kosmo! reported today.

"Sing Ta Nian Sdn Bhd is still working in HSUM and is allowed to log in a 137 hectare area in Compartment 105B,” she was quoted saying.

The news report also quoted Norhayati naming the other four companies. According to the Peka representative, the licence of one expired as far back as August 22, 2012 while another ended in October last year. The expiry date for the third company was not stated, however.

The newspaper also reported environmental activist Sobri Ramlee saying he will file a complaint with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) if the companies continued their logging without valid licences.

"I will make a report to MACC as soon as possible if the concession companies are still found to be illegally logging despite having expired licences,” he was quoted saying.

Logging activity at HSUM is suspected of jeopardising clean water supply to over four million people in Penang, Kedah and Perlis as well as endangering scores of fauna and flora.

Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah Hanipah was previously reported by Kosmo! to be aware of the matter and had ordered the state Forestry Department to investigate .