SUDDEN landslides, and not illegal loggings, have caused timber and log debris to fill up Tasik Kenyir in Terengganu, said the state forestry department.

Its director Roslan Rani said the debris had accumulated at the famous tourist lake due to several landslide incidents caused by heavy rains since last Sunday.

“I would like to state that there are no illegal loggings in the surrounding area,” he told reporters at Tasik Kenyir, Kuala Berang today.

He explained that the landslides subsequently resulted in uprooted trees and wood debris being pushed into the lake.

“During the landslides, trees had fallen off the ground. There were also dead twigs that went down into the river and flowed into the lake.

“That’s what makes it look like the lake is full of debris but in fact this is not caused by any illegal logging,” he said.

The situation at Tasik Kenyir was similar to the situation that occurred in Bentong during the major floods at the end of last year when landslides caused debris floods.

Roslan said the forestry department would conduct a more in-depth study to see the effects of landslides in the area around the lake.

“God willing, we will do a further review where we will try to mark the areas where there are landslides by taking pictures and coordinates.

“We will also make a mapping plan for planning and also further action that can be used for research to identify how to take better measures on these affected areas,” he said.

A video clip showing the lake littered with debris and logs had angered local residents who urged the state government for an immediate investigation.

The landslides in the area have also toppled Tenaga Nasional Berhad’s high voltage transmission tower, causing disruption of operations at the Tasik Kenyir power station.

Apart from the tower, an access road to the power station and a bridge were affected too.

 Last weekend’s floods in Terengganu were considered the worst, affecting nearly 20,000 people. – March 3, 2022.