Selangor the state that endured severely during the last flood, has taken action by preserving approximately 91,080 hectares of peat swamp forest in the Raja Musa Forest Reserve and the Kuala Langat Forest Reserve as a natural defense against floods.
The states forestry department director Azhar Ahmad said the efforts to preserve and restore the forests have been intensified, in the wake of the dry season, as well as to serve as a water catchment area and to prevent floods.
“During the rainy season, the peat swamp forests help the surrounding areas by preventing water overflow. During droughts, they help balance the water level,” he said.
Earlier on, Azhar and 80 delegates from various agencies including from those abroad took part in a tour of the Raja Musa Forest Reserve, to raise awareness of the importance of preserving the area.
Meanwhile, he said the public hearing process was also carried out to prevent the degazetting of the reserve, and to formulate a management plan in collaboration with the state government.
“Simultaneously, we will also use the underground well method as it is an important aspect in supporting the peat swamp forest’s hydrology,” Azhar said.
