States urged to boost ecotourism instead of logging forest lands

Andrew Sebastian, president of the Ecotourism and Conservation Society Malaysia, appealed to the governments of Kelantan, Pahang, Negeri Sembilan and Perak to craft business strategies that capitalize on their natural attractions rather than pursue logging. He warned that deforestation in these areas could cause landslides, water disruptions, flooding, drought risk and heightened human-wildlife conflict, threatening biodiversity.

Recent tourism data showed Taman Negara attracted a record 135,435 visitors in 2024, with Singaporean travelers comprising over 60% of international guests. The appeal came after Pahang, Kelantan, Negeri Sembilan and Perak rejected Sections 11 and 12 of the National Forestry (Amendment) Act 2022, provisions that would mandate public inquiries and equal-size replacement land before forest reserves are degazetted. Opponents, including Sahabat Alam Malaysia and the Ecological Association of Malaysia, argue state governments can degazette forests without sufficient public debate and recommend that any such proposals be referred to the National Land Council for broader scrutiny.