JOHOR BARU: The logging activities near the Panti Forest in Kota Tinggi are not illegal as alleged, according to the Forestry Department. 

Its deputy director (operations and enforcement) Yusup Abdul Rahman said the logging was conducted in a production forest outside the perimeter of the forest reserve. 

He said the site being logged covered some 1,200ha, and added it was being cleared for an oil palm plantation.  

“Panti has been logged from 1951. There are two types of forests, one a production forest and the other a protected forest.  

“The alleged illegal logging is actually not illegal because it is being done in Panti’s production forest area, where the trees can be felled to make way for agricultural development,” said Yusup. 

He was speaking during a dialogue and presentation on Sunday on the more than 400 species of birds found in the Panti Forest. 

Bird watchers had been concerned about the “illegal” logging around Panti Forest as they felt the activity would destroy the birds’ natural habitat. 

Yusup assured them that there were enough trees for the birds.  

“Everything is planned so that no wildlife is harmed,” said Yusup.  

He also said a 4.6 million hectare wildlife corridor project would soon be carried out to connect all the “forest islands” for animals to roam freely.