All Forest Activities Suspended During Northeast Monsoon Season - JPSM

KEPALA BATAS, Nov 16 (Bernama) -- All recreational, logging, and plantation activities in forest areas have been temporarily suspended during the Northeast Monsoon (MTL) season to prevent any untoward incidents and minimise the impact of natural disasters, the Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia (JPSM) said.

Its director-general Datuk Zahari Ibrahim said his department was also working closely with the Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) to monitor weather forecasts, especially during periods of heavy rainfall that could cause flooding.

“All recreational, logging, and plantation activities in forest areas will be suspended during this flood and Northeast Monsoon (MTL) season due to concerns over natural disasters and water surge phenomena that could pose a risk to the public.

“The department is also closely monitoring high-risk forest areas, including those prone to landslides and water surge phenomena, which could affect residents living near forests, waterfalls, and rivers,” he told reporters after the handover ceremony of the JPSM’s Kampung Angkat MADANI and Sekolah Angkat MADANI in Kampung Permatang Bogak here today.

The Northeast Monsoon (MTL) 2025/2026 began last Thursday and will last until March next year, with five to seven episodes of continuous heavy rain expected during this period.

Zahari said close monitoring was also carried out by JPSM via the Early Warning System (EWS), allowing the department to detect water surge events early and alert the public.

He said that the sensors at the river stations, located upstream and downstream, would detect changes in the water level and measure the current rainfall rate.

“Through the recent budget tabling, we have received RM3 million to install more EWS across the country, allowing for early action in the event of a water surge. This is to ensure the safety of visitors as well as local communities,” he said.

In another development, Zahari said that JPSM was awaiting a full report on the investigation into allegations that logging activities in the Gunung Bongsu Forest Reserve in Kedah had recently caused flash floods in eight villages in Ulu Paip.

Earlier, an environmental activist claimed that about 500 residents in Kampung Seberang Kaya, Kampung Banggol Penyengat, Kampung Sam Sam, Kampung Bangkang, Kampung Padang Limau, Kampung Kob, Kampung Batu Putih, and Kampung Marelang were affected by flash floods, the first such event in the area since 1989.

-- BERNAMA