Kelantan: Only 20 per cent of forest plantation projects that have received Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approval from the Department of Environment (DOE) since 2020 have been operational, while the other 80 per cent have yet to begin operations, said Kelantan DOE director Wan Aminordin Wan Kamarudin. He noted that the EIA report involves a socio-economic study of the population around the activity area, requiring developers to make a report before initiating operations.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Wan Aminordin emphasized that any development activity in Kelantan forest reserves exceeding 100 hectares must submit an EIA report. He expressed concern for the local community, particularly the Orang Asli, who are among the direct recipients of the impacts from the development. The EIA report is deemed crucial for identifying affected areas, such as water tables and resident safety, in light of forest plantations or mining activities.

Wan Aminordin noted that the EIA study report includes comments from various agencies, including the Forestry Department, Land and Mines Office (PTG), and the State Health Department. Conditions set by the DOE require developers to provide control measures like sediment trap ponds and infrastructure to prevent erosion. Last year, the DOE issued a prohibition order on a mining company in Gua Musang, ceasing its operations immediately.

On December 18 last year, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability issued a stop work order to two companies suspected of causing pollution in Sungai Kelaik, Pos Blau. This action was based on DOE's investigation into the companies' compliance with the Environmental Quality Act 1974 (Act 127). Previously, Sungai Kelaik water was reported to have been contaminated with waste from iron ore mining plants, turning the river red.