I criticise the Sabah Forestry Department (SFD) Director Datuk Sam Mannan misleading the public by providing self contradictory explanation on the alleged logging activities in the Andrassy Forest Reserve in Tawau Hills Park. I urge the state government, especially SFD to respond to the query. If it is left unattended, definitely it would tarnish the authorities’ image.
Repeating the call for the SFD Director to conduct a joint site visit, I once again demand SFD to be transparent on the issue. It’s never my intention to project a negative image on the ongoing first geothermal power plant project in the area, but it is mandatory for the authorities to respond to the complaints from the people pertaining tonnes of logs being transported out of the first class forest reserve. Unfortunately, Sam has given self contradictory statement to the public.
According to the statement by Sam in September last year (http://www.forest.sabah.gov.my/images/pdf/press%20release/en/Geothermal.pdf), it was learnt that “the estimated site clearance (for the geothermal power plant) will be about 150 hectares” (page 2). Given the average yield of virgin jungle at 50m3/ha (page 5), the maximum logs felled should be 7500m3.
However, based on the official answer from State Assembly, 6,563 logs or 20,049.55 cubic metre were felled from June 2013 to March 2014, which has exceeded the possible maximum logs output for 150 hectares.
Both answers were given by the similar department. So which figure we should take? Figures of logs felled and size of logging area should be accounted for.
Some of my friends who involved in timber industry has told me that, one trip of logging truck easily can carry 30m3. Based on a rough estimation that 10 trips logs per day from the site, only 25 days needed to carry away all 7500 cubic metre from 150 hacters. So why do the logging activities carried out from June last year until now?
A satellite photo of the logging area has been captured by Google Maps. It is clearly to see that a circle of logging road has been developed.
In order to access to the geothermal point for drilling, I think one or two entry routes should be enough. Only road access with a maximum width of 15 meter allowed in logging area under Reduced Impact Logging (RIL) practice which has been introduced by Sam since year 2010. So why does SFD Director approve such a massive road opening? The circle of logging road approved by mistake or under good intention?
The public interest is beyond partisan politics. Tawau people concerns about the possible water catchment area encroachment and the status of the geothermal power plant project.
SFD must conduct a joint site inspection together with all stakeholders, involving local community, elected representatives and environmental NGOs, within two weeks after this statement issued. Failing which, it is reasonable to doubt that Sam is trying to cover up any misconduct of stepping over the boundary in the site clearing works.