The Perak State Government has just removed another 3,847 hectares (9,506 acres) of land as forest reserve. The Perak State Government Gazette dated 29/3/2018 shows that the BN Perak government has on 15/2/2018 approved to degazette the following areas as forest reserve:
| Location | Size (ha) |
| i. Hutan Simpan Larut (Mukim Bukit Gantang) | 124.70 |
| ii. Hutan Simpan Pondok Tanjung (Mukim Batu Kurau) | 177.90 |
| iii. Hutan Simpan Bintang Hijau (Mukim Batu Kurau) | 335.40 |
| iv. Hutan Simpan Bintang Hijau (Mukim Batu Kurau) | 3,209.00 |
| 4,387.00 |
Dato’ Seri Zambry must explain why these areas are removed as forest reserves.
Since Dato’ Seri Zambry took over as the Menteri Besar of Perak in 2009, a total of 23,243 hectares (57,434 acres) have been removed as forest reserves (see list). This is a huge area. This land size is equivalent to an area measuring 1km in width and 232km in length!
Deforestation has a great negative impact on the environment. It will cause pollution to river waters and our clean air. Deforestation will also cause us to lose water retention areas which are very important to ensure there sufficient supply of water to our homes. It will cause the temperature of our environment to rise, causing discomfort to humans and impact on animals and plants alike. The rise in the temperature is known to affect the oil palm yield in our country thereby affecting our economy directly. Deforestation also caused loss of biodiversity in our jungles.
As the impact of deforestation is so great, Dato’ Seri Zambry and his government must be held accountable. They must justify why the above said areas are removed as forest reserves.