Kuala lumpur: All recreational, logging, and plantation activities in forest areas have been temporarily suspended during the Northeast Monsoon (MTL) season to prevent any untoward incidents and minimize the impact of natural disasters, the Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia (JPSM) said.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, JPSM's director-general, Datuk Zahari Ibrahim, stated that the department is working closely with the Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) to monitor weather forecasts, especially during periods of heavy rainfall that could cause flooding. "All recreational, logging, and plantation activities in forest areas will be suspended during this flood and Northeast Monsoon (MTL) season due to concerns over natural disasters and water surge phenomena that could pose a risk to the public," Zahari told reporters at a recent event.
The department is also closely monitoring high-risk forest areas, including those prone to landslides and water surge phenomena, which could affect residents living near forests, waterfalls, and rivers. The Northeast Monsoon (MTL) 2025/2026 began last Thursday and is expected to last until March next year, with five to seven episodes of continuous heavy rain anticipated.
Zahari mentioned that close monitoring is carried out by JPSM via the Early Warning System (EWS), aiding in the early detection of water surge events and enabling timely alerts to the public. The sensors at river stations, both upstream and downstream, are designed to detect changes in water levels and measure the current rainfall rate.
Through the recent budget tabling, JPSM has received RM3 million to install more EWS across the country, facilitating early action in the event of a water surge. This initiative aims to ensure the safety of both visitors and local communities.
In another development, Zahari noted that JPSM is awaiting a full report on the investigation into allegations that logging activities in the Gunung Bongsu Forest Reserve in Kedah have recently caused flash floods in eight villages in Ulu Paip. Earlier reports from an environmental activist indicated that approximately 500 residents in several villages were affected by flash floods, marking the first such event in the area since 1989.