Penang Hill - Destruction to Ecosystem

My email to the Director of Forestry Department of Penang on 8 Aug, 2007.

To:

Pengarah
Jabatan Perhutanan Negeri Pulau Pinang

Tingkat 20, Blok Menara

Bangunan Komtar

10000 Pulau Pinang

Dear Sir,

I am not a resident of Penang Hill but I am making this report to you as I am sadden by the destruction and raping of Penang Hill. These happened around the area between Canopy Walk-Methodist-Brother's Bungalow. I was told by the foreigner workers that a road will be built down to Air Itam? (I have yet to use the trail down and therefore can't give you that report).

How many steep slopes will be damaged were yet to be known until the next wet season. I can assure you that by the next wet season, Forestry Dept will have alot of headaches with massive landslides (along hill trails) and possible mudslide at Air Itam town and thus damaging the tourism trade???

These are some of the destruction observed:

Picture taken beside the exit of Canopy Walk.

1. There were many trees being chopped. The healthy tree near the Canopy Walk was chopped for no apparent reason. I was told it was a healthy tree. And on checking the logs found (pictures attached) there weren't any decay! Can anybody cut trees in Penang Hill without Forestry Dept approval....or do they have your blessing??

2. Steep slopes - many with 90 deg. slopes. Attached a photo of a tree almost hanging and waiting for the next wet season to cause accident.

3. Foreign workers harvesting our forest (trees and possible animals) for food as well as herbal use. See last photo.

Trees chopped and burnt. Found at the junction of Summit Rd to Methodist Centre.

Trail from Summit Rd to Brother's Bungalow is now a "highway".

Hanging tree. 90 deg hill cutting.

The identity of the heritage trail - Moniot Trail is lost forever.

A vertical drop to the newly constructed road to Brother's Bungalow.

Vertical drop to the bottom. Note the heritage trail on the right of this photo.

Illegal hut of the construction workers along Jln Viaduct West.

Primitive Toilet by foreigners - could it cause outbreak

of imported diseases to Penang Hill?

Massive tree cuttings along Jln Viaduct West

Tree mained by foreigners in search of herbal value.

Wonder how many trees and animals in

Penang Hill were harvested by them.

Please take necessary action
Thank you
Forest Ang

------------------REPLY BELOW--------------------

From : <samsudin@penang.gov.my>

Date : Aug 8, 2007 5:38 PM

Thank for your comment. Forestry Department observed that all kind of activities done in Owner land not in Forest Reserved. That why, I cannot take any legal action on damaging , cutting or chopping the tree in owner land. To be make sure all activities out side our Forest Reserved, we already engage land surveyer and within 2 weeks we can get the results on it. If that activities clasiffied under enchrochment , we will bring to the court under National Forestry Act.
TQ

-------My Reply to him: -------

Thank you sir for your reply.

Do you mean that if it is my land, I can do whatever I like even if the mudflow will affect people downstream?

Even the hanging tree could kill some hikers who pass by the trail?

Please understand that by surfacing the trail with cement, water will rush down during raining season. There are no proper drainage seen. Who will be responsible for eventual silting and flooding at the foothill?

What about the heritage trail called Moniot Trail which was declared open by our Governor in 1989? Its identity gone forever. I thought when you have a heritage, it should be preserved forever.

With your reasoning, I think so long as it is a private property, I can do whatever I like.

Correct me if I am wrong.

Thank you

Forest Ang

------His reply in to me:-------

From : <samsudin@penang.gov.my>

Date : Aug 10, 2007 8:01 AM

Do you mean that if it is my land, I can do whatever I like even if the mudflow will affect people downstream?
Yes.

Even the hanging tree could kill some hikers who pass by the trail?
If Your land I cant do any thing

Please understand that by surfacing the trail with cement, water will rush down during raining season. There are no proper drainage seen.

Which area you talking about. If my Forest Area, I will take action on that matter.
Who will be responsible for eventual silting and flooding at the foothill?
If foothil fall under my Forest Area, I will take action . If not , the action depend on status lands. If that land under your own land, you can take action.

What about the heritage trail called Moniot Trail which was declared open by our Governor in 1989? Its identity gone forever. I thought when you have a heritage, it should be preserved forever.
"identity gone forever" . That statement I Cant accept. Last 2 months, I went there and walk through the moniot road and I found all spesies are there include new species I found like Strycnos ignatii . Can you tell me what spesies are gone forever. I waiting for your answer, Please.

With your reasoning, I think so long as it is a private property, I can do whatever I like.
Yes. Can I go to your land and do what ever I like?

Correct me if I am wrong.
Yes. You are totally wrong.

Thank you Forest Ang

Yes, Thank You Forest Department.

---------------My Conclusion--------------------

I think I have wasted my time reporting this issue. I rest my case. I don't even stay in Penang Hill and Air Itam and why should I care about the damage to the ecosystem while others stay there don't take a hood about it!

Forest Ang

10 Aug 07, 10.08pm