GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government has identified several locations on Penang Hill where hill clearing activities are being carried out, some without approval from the relevant authorities. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said based on a survey, they found hill clearing activities on the hill and neighbouring areas which required the Penang Island City Council’s immediate attention. Acknowledging that some of the hill clearing activities were done without approval, Chow said such activities could change the nature of the land. Pressed if the council would be stern against those responsible for illegal hill clearing activities, Chow said the survey only identified agricultural plots that had led to soil erosion. When asked on what the state government could do to prevent such open burning, Chow replied that the illegal activity would be difficult to control, adding that it was done by small-scale individual farmers.

Source: New Strait Times February 05, 2020 12:00 UTC