Re: Issues in Malaysian Birding

["Lim Aun Tiah" <>]

Hi Laurie,
I would encourage people to give their opinions regarding  the impact of 
clearing  rainforests for oil-palm plantations. I am confident that the 
final MNS report and recommendations will be made available to the Ministry 
of Environment, other than the Ministry of Tourism..
Opinions and views expressed by foreigners do carry weight.  I understand 
that the newly appointed Minister  responsible for environment is receptive 
to suggestions/ideas.But whether he has the conviction and courage to push 
his way for the sake of the environment remains to be seen.
The latest hot issue concerning the environment  is the Malaysian govt's 
plan to dam the Kelau River( in central Pahang), then pipe the water to 
Kuala Lumpur.A large area of rain forest  around Kelau River will be 
flooded. Environmental groups in Malaysia are against the plan. Here, the 
debate becomes contentious. The authorities  claim that without the piped 
water from central Pahang, Kuala Lumpur will be short of water by 2012. The 
project is funded by the Bank of Japan. NGOs argue that alternative ways of 
meeting KL's water demand  should be explored. If the dam is built, another 
birdable area will be lost.
ATiah