By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Sept 3: The Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) has announced that the plantation company accountable for the floating debris, drifting deadwood, and logjam in Sungai Krangan, Balai Ringin has faced penalties for its violations.
According to a TVS news report, Sarawak’s Controller of Environmental Quality, Jack Liam, stated that NREB has taken significant steps to address this issue, which is believed to have impacted the Water Intake Point (WIP) that supplies water to the Balai Ringin water treatment plant.
NREB additionally identified that the floating debris, drifting deadwood, and logjam in Sungai Krangan, Balai Ringin are the result of uncontrolled land clearing and subsequent land levelling activities.
“The company responsible for these activities has been penalised for their violations, which include the clearance of buffer zones along the river within their plantation area.
“NREB is currently conducting a thorough investigation to determine if there are any additional violations within the buffer zones.
“If further violations are discovered, we will initiate a detailed investigation, and legal action will be taken against those responsible, including bringing them to court for prosecution,” Liam said in a press statement.
Furthermore, the plantation company has been directed to remove and clear all debris obstructing the river to restore its natural flow, prevent potential flooding, and ensure that the WIP and the livelihoods of the local villagers are protected.
“The company is also required to restore the affected area by planting native tree species in the damaged buffer zones.
“This step is necessary to restore the ecological balance and prevent similar environmental damage in the future,” Liam added.
NREB also stated that it remains committed to enforcing environmental laws and ensuring that such incidents are addressed quickly and effectively.
It emphasised that the Board will continue to closely monitor the situation, taking all necessary measures to protect the environment and the well-being of the local community, while ensuring that all responsible parties are held accountable.
Yesterday (Sept 2), Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts (MTCP) and Balai Ringin assemblyman Dato Snowdan Lawan reported that a plantation company’s actions upstream of Sungai Krangan, Balai Ringin, have resulted in floating debris, drifting deadwood, and a logjam in the river following a heavy downpour.
He stated that, according to NREB officers who inspected the area on Aug 31, some sections of Phase 2 of the plantation area encroached the 8-kilometre radius of the water catchment area from the WIP in Balai Ringin.
“This follows information from the surrounding villagers especially from Kampung Melayu Balai Ringin who reported the matter to the Balai Ringin sub-district officer, headed by Sarawak Administrative Officer (SAO) Mohamad Adam Abdullah,” Snowdan added. — DayakDaily
