All forest activities halted during Northeast Monsoon to prevent disasters, with RM3 million allocated for early warning systems.
KEPALA BATAS: All recreational, logging and plantation activities in forest areas have been temporarily suspended during the Northeast Monsoon season to prevent untoward incidents and minimise natural disaster impacts.
Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia director-general Datuk Zahari Ibrahim said the department is working closely with the Meteorological Department to monitor weather forecasts, particularly during heavy rainfall periods that could cause flooding.
“All recreational, logging, and plantation activities in forest areas will be suspended during this flood and Northeast Monsoon season due to concerns over natural disasters and water surge phenomena that could pose a risk to the public,” he told reporters after the handover ceremony of JPSM’s Kampung Angkat MADANI and Sekolah Angkat MADANI here.
The Northeast Monsoon 2025/2026 began last Thursday and will last until March next year, with five to seven episodes of continuous heavy rain expected during this period.
Zahari said close monitoring is also being conducted through the Early Warning System, allowing the department to detect water surge events early and alert the public.
Sensors at river stations located upstream and downstream detect changes in water level and measure current rainfall rates.
“Through the recent budget tabling, we have received RM3 million to install more EWS across the country, allowing for early action in the event of a water surge,” he said, adding this ensures visitor and local community safety.
In another development, Zahari said JPSM is awaiting a full report on investigations into allegations that logging activities in the Gunung Bongsu Forest Reserve in Kedah recently caused flash floods in eight villages in Ulu Paip.
An environmental activist had claimed that about 500 residents across eight villages were affected by flash floods, the first such event in the area since 1989. – Bernama
