MANJUNG, July 13 ― A 20ha stretch of mangrove forests on the banks of Sungai Dinding near Kampung Baru Setiawan, about 10km from Setiawan, has been cleared and is believed to be causing extensive damage to the ecosystem.
Residents claim the land-clearing activities have caused the native aquatic wildlife population, insects and birds to drastically dwindle and affect the fishing community.
It is learned that the stretch of mangroves is part of the 101ha Batu Undan permanent forest reserve de-gazetted by the state government in May 2009.
The residents claim the trees were only felled a few months ago.
The destruction has affected many who make their living off natural resources, claims village head Khairi Badrin, 47.
“The mangroves act as the breeding grounds for fish and the lack of mangrove forests has caused them to move to other areas,” he told reporters yesterday.
“Since the clearing began earlier this year, many fishermen have complained of fewer fish and their income has dropped as a result.”
Khairi said this had caused the fishing community to suffer as most of the 200 fishermen concentrated on seaside fishing spots instead of deep sea areas.
He said the residents had lodged numerous complaints with the authorities but no action had been taken.
Khairi’s concerns were echoed by a wild honey collector, who only wished to be known as Nasaruddin.
“I used to collect and sell wild honey from beehives created on the mangrove trees. I can’t do that anymore. The trees are gone and the bees have gone with them,” he said.
Nasaruddin said he had trekked through the nearby forests to look for hives but could hardly find any.
“The bees are fussy and prefer to hive on mangrove trees. Without them, I am forced to find another job,” he said.
Fisherman Arshad Hussin, 74, said he had warned the Forestry Department years ago about the possibility of development affecting the natural environment but his warnings were not heeded.
“I told them that various snails — food for the fish — would disappear and I have been proven right. Today, it is difficult to find these creatures anywhere,” he said.
“I just hope that one day we don’t end up losing the fish forever if their food supply continues to dwindle.”
Khairi urged the authorities to act for the good of the community.
“We are supportive and thankful for the government’s attempts to modernise the area but it needs to be done according to the rules while protecting the environment,” he said.
