Govt Stops All Detrimental Activities To Save Tasik Chini Unesco Status

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All activities that could have adverse effects on the environment in Tasik Chini, Pahang, have been stopped which includes new approvals for sand and mineral extraction as well as development in the area.
Energy and Natural Resources Minister Takiyuddin Hassan said the government is taking active steps to rehabilitate Tasik Chini so it can remain a Biosphere Reserve Site under the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco).
“We were given time by Unesco to restore the situation in Tasik Chini so that it can maintain its status as a Biosphere Reserve Site, so we are in action.
“The action we are taking is to stop all activities in Tasik Chini. There is no new approval in any business, for example, to take sand, develop the area and take minerals," he added.
The Kota Bharu MP revealed this at a press conference after officiating the Islah National School athletics tournament in Kota Bharu, today.
Energy and Natural Resources Minister Takiyuddin HassanEarlier, Tasik Chini's status as a Unesco Biosphere Reserve Site received attention when Malaysiakini reported on July 24 that the status was under investigation - with its initial findings not encouraging.
Unesco, in its first periodical report on Tasik Chini, found that it no longer met the criteria to be part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
Tasik Chini was the first biosphere site in Malaysia to be recognised by Unesco. This was followed by Crocker Range, Sabah, in 2014 and Bukit Bendera, Penang, last September.
Takiyuddin also said he will submit a detailed response on the developments of the issue in Parliament.
"There is a strict order from the government that there are to be no more new approvals for mineral mining activities around Tasik Chini.
“I will answer in more detail tomorrow in Parliament," he added. - Mkini

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