IPOH 16 April 2026 (The Capital Post) – The Perak government has officially capped its Forest Plantation Development Zone at 32,375 hectares, as part of efforts to ensure tighter environmental management and more sustainable use of forest reserves.
Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said the decision represents a scaled-down implementation of an earlier approval that allowed development of up to 100,000 hectares. He explained that the reduction reflects the state’s commitment to balancing economic development with environmental protection.
He added that the plantation development will continue in phases rather than being approved in a single large-scale rollout, allowing authorities to better monitor environmental impact and ensure compliance with sustainability standards.
Saarani said that, as of the end of last year, more than 31,000 hectares had already been approved for forest plantation development, with only a small remaining portion still pending approval. A significant area has already been planted, while others remain under preparation or undeveloped.
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He stressed that any expansion of plantation zones within Permanent Reserved Forest areas will strictly follow the established limit and that there are currently no plans to open additional areas beyond the approved cap.
The state government said the controlled approach is designed to support economic activities in the timber and plantation sectors while safeguarding biodiversity and reducing long-term ecological risks.
Officials also reiterated that forest management must align with sustainable development principles, ensuring that natural resources are preserved for future generations while still contributing to the state’s economy.-The Capital Post