By Adrian Lim
KUCHING, Aug 24: Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing questions whether there is the will to hold those responsible for the current logjam in Baleh River accountable.
In a statement today, he asserted it is common knowledge that their identities are known and what are the reasons behind the logjam.
“We know what causes (sic) the logjam. We know the culprits. But, do we have the will to make them accountable for the devastation they have caused?’ he asked.
Masing was responding to a statement from Sibu MP Oscar Ling today who urged the State government to investigate the causes of the logjam.
Since the identity of the timber operator is common knowledge, Masing believed it could be a waste of time looking into the causes of the logjam.
Meanwhile, Ling had pointed out the logjam has caused water treatment plants along the Rajang River to experience operational disruption due to the presence of high concentration of pollutants in the water.
The Rajang River is located downstream of the Baleh River.
Ling also noted that the logjam has affected the ecosystem of the Rajang river.
In proposing solutions, Masing said those responsible for the log jam should cease operations not only in Baleh but throughout Sarawak.
He also suggested that stringent standard operating procedures (SOPs) be enforced if operation permits have yet to expire and more dilapidated land should be allocated for the planting of timber species such as meranti, engkabang and belian for domestic usage.
“Please note (that the) timber industry need not be a dying industry.
“We can continue, if we strictly follow (the) International Tropical Timber Organisation’s (ITTO) rules. We have vast land assets. Let’s plant suitable timber species on this dilapidated land,” said Masing who is also the Infrastructure and Port Development Minister. — DayakDaily
