INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR ON WETLANDS AND SUSTAINABILITY 2007

POLICY AND MANAGEMENT OF WETLANDS IN PENINSULAR MALAYSIA

WITH RESPECT TO FORESTRY
Forestry Department Peninsular Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur
Abstract

Malaysia is very fortunate to be blessed with abundant forests. These forest are
dominated by three major forest types vis - a - vis Dry Land Forest, Peat Swamp
Forest and Mangrove Forest. Of these forest types, the Mangrove Forests and Peat
Swamp Forests form a major Wetlands which contribute significantly to socio-
economic development of the country. It also plays a very significant role for
conservation and protection. These conservation and protected forest areas were
secured by legislation such as National Forestry Act, 1984; Wildlife Act, 1972 and
Environmental Act, 1974. The Mangroves occur along the sheltered coasts of
Peninsular Malaysia and Peat Swamps mostly in Pahang, Selangor and
Terengganu. There are about 0.10 million hectare and 0.19 million hectares of
Mangrove Forests and Peat Swamp Forests in Peninsular Malaysia respectively
which have been managed sustainably by the Forestry Department of Peninsular
Malaysia (FDPM). These type of forests are subjected to various conflicting
demands ranging from sustained wood production, agriculture and aquaculture
development, industrial site, mining activity and also dumping ground for sewages
and wastes. This paper provides and overview on the role of the FDPM in managing
the Mangrove and Peat Swamp for the purpose of the sustained timber production
as well as for the preservation and conservation forest. This paper will also attempt
to highlight issues and challenges encountered in an endeavour to protect these
forests. It will further outline strategies for the way forwards and discuss other efforts
for the preservation and conservation these forests.

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INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR ON WETLANDS AND SUSTAINABILITY 2007