Malaysian Rain Forests

In response to Kathleen Hendrix’s two-part series on the Malaysian rain forest (front page, March 18-19):

Of late, environmental groups in the U.S. have focused a great deal of attention on the alleged deforestation taking place in Malaysia. We believe that the environmentalists have aroused undue anxiety by presenting an inaccurate picture of the situation. We wish to reassure everyone concerned that the Malaysian government is keenly aware of our nation’s natural heritage as well as conscious of the importance to sustain the delicate balance of the ecosystem. We are as mindful and earnest as the environmentalists in wanting to co-serve and protect our tropical forests and the natural beauty of our flora and fauna.

Although the timber industry provides much-needed employment for a segment of the population of Malaysia, through the production of timber and downstream processing of timber products, the Malaysian government is constantly monitoring these activities and has set up various mechanisms for the protection of our rain forests. We have in place a program of reforestation that will ensure the survival of the forests in perpetuity.

Additionally, the forests have been preserved through systematic forest management, the establishment of national parks, wildlife reserves and sanctuaries, virgin jungle reserves and the rehabilitation of land degraded by “slash and burn” practices arising from shifting cultivation.

GAN BER KEAT

Consul/Malaysian Trade Commissioner

Los Angeles