By Norrasyidah Arshad
KUALA KUBU BHARU, Nov 11 — Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari launched the state-level celebrations of the International Day of Forests in Taman Tasik Millenium, near here, today.
The inaugural celebrations also saw the declaration of Kuala Kubu Baru as a territory of the Central Forest Spine (CFS) of Peninsular Malaysia, tasked to protect and conserve the rich biodiversity of the nation’s forests.
Amirudin said the event acts as an important platform to bring conservation to the CFS corridor, and supports the country’s agenda to combat environmental pollution, global warming, climate change and natural disasters.
“It is my pleasure to announce today the state government’s intention to commit to the environmental cause. We will support the campaign to plant 100 million trees, and pledge to preserve our forests and increase the land space of our forest reserves,” he said.
The event was attended by the director general of Forestry Peninsular Malaysia, Datuk Mohd Ridza Awang; the state exco for the environment Hee Loy Sian; and Selangor State Secretary Dato’ Haris Kasim.
Meanwhile, Mohd Ridza said the Raja Musa, Bukit Tarek and Gading permanent forest reserves will directly contribute towards the preservation and conservation of the country’s biodiversity through their ties with the CFS.
“Although they only have secondary ties to the CFS, the Selangor government is working its hardest to prepare a long-term plan to manage the CFS for the next 10 years, starting in 2020,” he added.
