22nd May, 2012
SUKAU: Folks in Sukau have been advised to be the eyes and ears of the authorities to help curb encroachment by outsiders into the riparian zone along the Sungai Kinabatangan riverbank at Mukim Batu Putih.“Everyone has a role to play, including the people of Sukau, to prevent individuals from encroaching and carrying out planting activities along the “Corridor of Life,” Sukau Assemblyman Datuk Saddi Haji Abdul Rahman said after officiating the tree planting programme with Borneo Samudera Sdn Bhd at Sungai Pin yesterday.Saddi said he fully support conservation efforts undertaken by Borneo Samudera Sdn Bhd and others for the rehabilitation of riparian and wetland habitats that will enhance the value of the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary and Forest Reserves in the lower Kinabatangan and to benefit the community at large.According to Saddi, many of those responsible for encroaching into the riparian zone are not from Sukau but neighbouring districts.Meanwhile, Sawit Kinabalu Group Managing Director, Haji Othman Walat, said, the tree planting programme is to educate the public and create awareness on the importance of preserving our riverbanks, our wildlife and our forests for the future generations.“They should not destroy the forest right up to the riverbanks for cultivation. There is a buffer zone of 20 metres (from the riverbanks) where no planting activities should be carried out within this area,” Othman added.Othman said his company has taken legal action against those who have encroached into the plantation land including riparian zone.“These court cases are pending including the injunction we filed against a national primary school constructed in the plantation without approval or consent from the company,” Othman said.He said the High Court in Sandakan would rule on the injunction on May 25.The tree planting programme is part of the activities under the 10-year MoU on Conservation Partnership Towards The Corridor Of Life In The Lower Kinabatangan signed on 28 August 2008 between Borneo Samudera Sdn Bhd and WWF Malaysia.Also present were Borneo Samudera Sdn Bhd Board member, Datuk KY Mustafa and representatives from government departments, financial institutions, NGOs and local villagers.
New Sabah Times
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