23 Individuals Arrested After Entering Pahang Forest Reserve Without A Permit
The climbing group, which included both men and women, did not have a permit that is issued by the Pahang Forestry Department (JPNP) to enter the forest reserve.
23 people were arrested on Sunday, 16 July, after they entered Hutan Simpan Kekal Bukit Tinggi, a forest reserve in Bentong, Pahang without a permit
Bentong district forest officer Muhamat Azman Yahya said his party discovered the group while they were carrying out climbing activities in the protected forest, reported Buletin TV3.
He stated that following an inspection, it was found that the group of 23 climbers, which included both men and women, did not have a permit that is issued by the Pahang Forestry Department (JPNP) to enter the forest reserve.
Image via Buletin TV3
Muhamat Azman said his team proceeded to arrest the group for trespassing and transported them to the Bentong district police station to report the offence
"All of the suspects were released on bail on the same day. The JPNP investigating officer will conduct further investigation into this offence under the National Forestry Act (APN) 1984. A conviction may result in a fine of up to RM10,000 or imprisonment for up to three years, or both.
"The department reminds members of the public who want to enter the state's permanent forest reserves to first apply for a valid permanent forest reserve entry permit from JPNP," he said.
Image via Fernando Fong/The Rakyat Post
According to Muhamat Azman, this is not the first-time tourists have entered the forest reserve illegally to engage in climbing activities
He added that similar incidents have occurred in the past, and that legal action had to be taken to prevent people from entering the forest reserve without a permit.
"Not knowing that a permit is required to enter the forest reserve remains a common excuse given when they are caught.
"To make it easier for members of the public who want to carry out recreational activities in permanent forest reserves and apply for permits, the department launched the e-ecopark system last June. Climbers can apply for a permit through the link," he said.
You can access the e-ecopark link here.
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