KUCHING: The source of the logjam that happened in Batang Baleh recently has been identified as the area for logging activities at the headwaters of Sungai Mengiong, Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing revealed in a statement on Friday.
“The timber operators who did the salvage logging on behalf of one of the concessionaires, Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC), did the extraction in one of the most difficult terrains at the headwaters of Batang Baleh.
“They had tried to extract commercial timber before the impoundment began in 2026,” explained Masing.
Masing added that the areas where logging activities are being done will be under water in five years’ time. The concessionaires are trying their best to get the commercial timber out before 2026. The value of commercial timber to be flooded is about RM300 million.”
Masing, who is also the State Legislative Assembly Member for Baleh, had flown to the site yesterday to investigate the source of the wood debris which had caused the massive logjam.
Apart from the heavy logging, Masing said the recent heavy rain at Upper Baleh last week did not help in reducing the erosion.
“So, what this means is that the wood debris has nothing to do with shifting cultivation or with the construction of Baleh HEP,” said the Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development further.
“Baleh Dam is the victim and not the cause of wood debris,” he added.
“Now that we know the cause, let us therefore stop the blame game and move forward and get these commercial timber out before they are submerged, including other timber of value like belian, if they are found in Ulu Batang Baleh.”.
Masing said that the Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg has suggested that a body be formed to find ways and means to get the timber out without causing devastating impacts on the environment.
He said that the body cannot be represented by the Forestry Department alone.
“A third party must be involved because, if it is only the Forestry alone, it will not work. You cannot be the judge, jury and prosecutor all rolled in one,” he opined.
Masing was accompanied by Member of Parliament for Hulu Rajang, Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong, Resident of Kapit Division Nyurak Keti, DSP Freddy Bian, and timber operators in Ulu Sungai Mengiong, during the visit.
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