7,000 hectares of Tasik Bera forest reserve suspected illegally cleared

Officials from the National Parks and Wildlife Department (UPNP) have flagged approximately 7,000 hectares of forest within the Tasik Bera forest reserve as being subject to suspected illegal clearing activities. The encroached area is believed to have been converted for commercial cultivation, including palm oil and rubber plantations, according to UPNP statements. Tasik Bera, Malaysia's largest natural freshwater lake, holds significant ecological value and is designated as a wetland of international importance. The discovery of widespread unauthorised land conversion within the reserve has prompted concerns about the protection and enforcement of conservation regulations in the region. UPNP has indicated that investigations are underway to determine the full extent of the illegal activities and to identify those responsible for the unauthorised clearing operations.