SANDAKAN:
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The Sabah Forestry Department has denied the allegation that the damage to the Sandakan Rainforest Park here, also known as the Chinese Garden Forest Reserve, was due to illegal logging.
In a statement, the department said the situation was actually caused by the storm on Aug 17 last year that had resulted in 149 fallen trees, as well as damaged facilities such as trails and bridges.
“Chief Conservator of Sabah Forestry Department, Datuk Mashor Mohd Jaini, has instructed a gotong-royong operation involving staff of the Sandakan District Forestry Office and Sepilok Forestry Research Centre, and have directed on replanting of all trees from faster-growing species.
“Therefore, the remnants of the fallen trees need to be cleared to facilitate the replanting in the areas affected by the natural disaster at Sandakan Rainforest Park,” said the statement.
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It also stated that the department was disappointed with a viral video alleging that illegal logging had taken place in the park, as it had also tarnished the image of the department and the State Government.
The Rainforest Park located at Mile 5 here has attracted nature lovers, adventure seekers, students and joggers. - Bernama
