Tree Biology

Malaysia has historically taken good care of its precious mangrove forests. On three islands off Port Klang on the peninsula's west coast, illegal loggers are rapidly stripping mangrove forests. In spite of the official policy, expressed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, to protect the country's remaining mangrove swamp, loggers have removed up to 80% of the standing crop of mangrove on the three small islands. Mangroves are critical to coastal resources, including fisheries. There has been a dramatic decline in fish harvests off Port Klang in recent years. Source: The Star.

When I lived in Malaysia, the remaining mangrove forests appeared to be well managed and well protected. It is hard to tell whether there has been a decline in enforcement or commitment to mangrove conservation. Peninsular Malaysia has about 565,000 ha of mangrove forest. Since the Indian Ocean tsunami, the Prime Minister has directed that all remaining mangrove forest be inventoried and preserved. It seems, however, that action is not yet coming fast enough. The islands off Port Klang are not remote, and enforcement should not be difficult.

Update: The Forestry Department in Johor, the southernmost state in Malaysia, has announced the creation of a task force to undertake an aggressive campaign to enforce mangrove protection. Penalties under the 1984 can include substantial fines and jail time. Source: New Straits Times

Update: In response to the illegal mangrove logging off Port Klang, the state of Selangor has announced plans to convert the islands to forest reserves. This will not forbid logging, but will impose much tighter restrictions. Mangrove is very amenable to sustainable forestry, and Malaysia has a long history of good mangrove mangement. The Matang Forest Reserve is a world-class example of sustainable mangrove management in Perak.