Buffer zone to prevent chemicals from leaking into river

THE Pahang government has created a buffer zone between Sungai Terla and farmlands in Kuala Terla, Cameron Highlands, to protect its water source from pollution.

State executive councillor Datuk Hoh Kai Mun said the zone was marked a few years back to prevent chemicals used in agriculture farmlands from being washed into the river.

"Chemicals such as plant hormones and fertilisers can contaminate the water source if mishandled.

"By creating a 4.5m buffer zone between the river and farmlands, we will be able to protect the river and ensure clean water supply," he said during a briefing on development issues around Cameron Highlands last Saturday.

The decision to set up of a buffer zone, he said, was made after water samples were taken from the river and tested positive for pollutants years ago.

According to Hoh, farmers operating on the 11 lots around the perimeter of the buffer zone have been abiding by the directive not to cross over into the buffer zone.

"Since then, the water quality of the river has improved tremendously," he said, adding that the agriculture sector should not be developed at the expense of the environment as Cameron Highlands was a tourist destination favoured by many.

On the issue of Temporary Occupation License (TOL) renewal for farmers, Hoh said the state government was taking steps to simplify the application process and also in expediting their approval.

"From next year onwards, farmers should be able to obtain their TOLs within two months of application," he said, adding that in the past, farmers were required to wait for almost 12 months to get their TOL issued or renewed.

Pahang MCA Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, who was also present, said he would continue to monitor the matter with help from Hoh and Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob.

Liow said there had been incidents where farmers, who only occupied a small-scale of 1.62ha farmland, were granted TOL for land even smaller than the size they had applied for.

"They deserve to get TOLs for the exact size of their farmland," he said.

-The Star-

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