KOTA BARU — The Peninsular Malaysia Orang Asli Villages Network (Kloasm) has urged the Kelantan state government to provide transparent information regarding the status of Permanent Forest Reserves (HSK) in Ulu Gua Musang amid concerns over deforestation and land encroachment.

At a press conference on Wednesday, Kloasm representative Nur Mohd Syafiq Dendi Abdullah highlighted widespread forest destruction in several locations, including HSK Gunung Berangkat (Stong Selatan), Sungai Perias, Kuala Balah, and Sungai Betis. He called on authorities to clarify the boundaries, classifications, and total area of the remaining forest reserves, as well as to disclose details about any land that has been degazetted or reclassified.

According to Nur Mohd Syafiq, observations on the ground do not align with official claims of forest preservation. The group is calling for an independent audit and the public release of land status data and maps to ensure transparency.

Kloasm also voiced concern over the clearing of natural forests to make way for commercial plantations, including acacia, rubber clones, oil palm, Musang King durian, and coffee. These activities, the group said, threaten the customary land rights of the Orang Asli communities and pose risks to biodiversity, water sources, and wildlife habitats.

Nur Mohd Syafiq emphasized the need for a moratorium on new development approvals in areas where Orang Asli customary land claims overlap with forest reserves. He insisted this pause should remain in place until an independent investigation and thorough audit into logged or cleared forest land are completed.

The group’s demands reflect growing tensions over land use and forest management in Ulu Gua Musang, a region known for its ecological significance and the presence of indigenous communities whose livelihoods are closely tied to the environment. The Kelantan state government has yet to respond publicly to the calls for disclosure and independent review.