The Environment Ministry today refuted news reports that minister Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man defended logging in Kelantan.
In a statement, the ministry said such activities in Kelantan were under the state government’s jurisdiction, adding that the ministry will continue to champion and protect the country’s flora and fauna.
“The ministry would like to refute yesterday’s news reports quoting Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man as saying that he defended logging in Kelantan.
“The ministry is committed to protect and preserve nature in line with the laws of this country.
“The government is also taking environmental issues seriously and will not hesitate to act against any individual or company found going against the law,” the ministry said in a statement.
On Wednesday, Tuan Ibrahim who is also PAS’ deputy president was asked to respond to criticisms on logging in PAS-led Kelantan.
“If you look at Kelantan, it has ISO certification, compared to other states that do not have any.
“It (criticism) is partly due to sentiment from the opposition,” he said as reported by Malaysiakini.
Yesterday, PKR president Anwar Ibrahim took Tuan Ibrahim to task for defending logging in Kelantan and asked the ministry to respond to the issue.
“This is a nonchalant and irresponsible statement. Whereas we are supposed to draft a policy to defend the environment, including the forest.
“Is this the official stance of the ministry? Please respond immediately,” the Port Dickson MP tweeted.
Kelantan state government has been heavily criticised for rampant logging that has displaced Orang Asli in Gua Musang.
Tuan Ibrahim was appointed as environment minister in Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin’s cabinet on Monday. – TMI