KOTA BARU: All activities in Tasik Chini, Pahang have been ordered to stop recently and this includes issuance of new licence for mining activities.
Energy and Natural Resources Minister Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said the move was taken following the report on Tasik Chini biosphere reserve site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco), in line with recommendations by the International Advisory Committee on Biosphere Reserves (IACBR).
"I was informed that both the Federal and Pahang governments already have taken measures to protect Tasik Chini.
"Among the measures taken were stopping all activities immediately, with no new approvals on mining and mineral activities issued by the relevant departments in Pahang.
"I will explain in detail on this issue during the Parliament sitting tomorrow, but what l want to stress here is for all quarters to strictly adhere to the government's directive," he said.
Takiyuddin who is Kota Baru MP said this after launching Sports Tournament at SK Islah here today.
He said the government was given a deadline by Unesco to rehabilitate the lake.
It was reported last week that Tasik Chini's biosphere reserve status was uncertain as the lake had reportedly failed to fulfil the required criteria to be part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
Subsequently, the Regent of Pahang Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah Al-Sultan Abdullah, ordered the Pahang government to act more aggressively to rehabilitate Tasik Chini and not to renew leases for mining near the lake.
