CAP urges the Perak Forestry Department to investigate the recent incident involving the destruction of the mangrove forest reserve incident Kampung Sungai Tuntung Panchor near Beruas.
We are disappointed with this incident which not only violates the law and contravenes the National Forestry Act 1984 but also threatens the environment and affects the livelihood of the local fisherman.
About 500 fishermen in Kampung Sungai Tuntung have claimed that the destruction of mangroves by crab farming operators has adversely affected their income.
Their catch of crab and shellfish, the two major sources of their income are now reduced and may soon be extinct. It used to be that the fishermen could earn about RM100 a day, but now it is hard to even earn RM20 a day.
CAP also urges the Land and Minerals Department (PTG), the Fisheries Department and the Department of Environment (DOE) to investigate this issue and take prompt action.
We are surprised that a project that threatens the environment and the livelihood of the people is allowed to operate in an area with forest reserve.
We believe that if no effective measures are taken, it will give a rise to a huge negative impact on the fishermen’s livelihood and also the environment.
CAP hopes that the Perak Forestry Department reveals the results of their investigation to the public as this is serious social problem with impacts on the environment.
CAP recommends that the fishermen be compensated according to their loss as their income has been affected adversely.
Press Release, 22 January 2014