World · Malaysia Bureau
Environmental groups urge Pahang to disclose forest reserve degazetting terms
Conservation advocates are calling on the Pahang state government to make public the conditions and criteria for removing permanent forest reserve designations. The groups are pushing for greater transparency in what they say is a significant environmental decision.
LSN Malaysia ·
Environmental organisations in Pahang have stepped up pressure on the state government to reveal the full terms and process for degazetting permanent forest reserves, while opening the procedure to public scrutiny.
The groups argue that decisions affecting long-term forest protection require transparent criteria and open consultation with stakeholders and the general public. Degazetting—the formal removal of protected status from forest reserves—can have significant ecological and developmental implications for communities and ecosystems.
Calls for disclosure come as concerns grow over potential changes to forest conservation policies in the state. Environmental advocates say that outlining clear conditions and opening the process to public examination would ensure decisions are made with full community awareness and input.
The Pahang state government has not yet publicly responded to the groups' demands for transparency regarding the degazetting framework and timetable. Conservation bodies have indicated they plan to continue pressing for greater openness on forest management decisions affecting the region's natural heritage.