Perak Intensifies Enforcement To Curb Encroachment Of Firefly Habitat

TAIPING (Perak, Malaysia) June 27 (Bernama) -- The Perak government is intensifying enforcement to prevent trespassers into the forest area at Kampun Dew here, which is a habitat for fireflies. Perak Tourism, Arts and Culture Committee chairman Tan Kar Hing said the encroachment into the area could destroy the habitat and would affect the state’s tourism industry. He said the state government had a long-term plan for the development of the area and would discuss with industry players, the land office in Kerian, Larut, Matang and Selama to address the issue. "I will also contact the Perak Land and Mines office to obtain information on the area,” he told reporters after observing the damage at the firefly jetty in the village here Tuesday. He said the reserved area at the firefly jetty would be expanded from 0.2347 to 0.261 hectares. Meanwhile, Kampung Dew Firefly Tourism Association secretary Shukor Ishak said encroachment into the forest area had also affected the income of 125 local fishermen by 10 to 20 per cent. He said the area should be gazetted to prevent cutting of the Berembang trees that were homes to the firefly colony in Sungai Sepetang. "A large portion of the Berembang trees were cut down to make way for the cultivation of palm oil trees. Now, there are only 188 trees left,” he added. --BERNAMA