TANJUNG MALIM: The Malaysian Nature Conservation Organisation (Perkam) is urging the state government to preserve and protect a former nursery rich in various near-extinct natural plant species.
The site, adjacent to the National Institute of Land and Survey (Instun) in Behrang here, covers about 41.96 hectares and is known as 'Seeds Bank Behrang Ulu'.
It is believed to house over 1,000 different tree species and is reportedly slated for land development.
Its president Professor Datuk S. Santharasekaran said that the area was previously leased to a private company for nursery purposes in 1998 and it cultivated various forest trees, many of which are near extinction in Malaysia, alongside commercial plant species.
"After the lease ended in 2018, the company was asked to vacate the area, reportedly to make way for industrial development.
"Unfortunately, only about 30 per cent of the trees could be relocated, while the rest, having grown significantly, formed a forest plantation and were difficult to move," he said when met today.
He added that although an alternative plot of land was offered to the nursery for similar purposes, it was deemed unsuitable.
He said he first learned about plans to develop the area in September last year through the nursery operators.
The site, he said, had previously served as a hub for environmental activities and research on native tree species.
He added that some 1,173 species have been identified at the site, with an estimated one million trees of varying sizes.
"The forest floor is also now covered with a mix of diverse plant species. The plantation is a result of the efforts of its late original owner, who traveled across Malaysia to collect near-extinct forest tree species.
"Among these are rare trees such as Resak Padi, Meranti Daun Besar, Giam Melukut and Merawan," he said adding that the plantation is now managed by his daughter, who is struggling to relocate these valuable species.
He added that Perkam has taken the initiative to propose that the area be turned into a National Forest Tree Seed Bank.
"It would be a great loss if this forest plantation or nursery were destroyed for development, as it holds invaluable forest biodiversity.
"While we are not opposed to development that benefits the state's economy, it should not come at the expense of environmental sustainability," Santharasekaran said.
He proposed turning the area into a national heritage site for forest tree conservation, education, and eco-tourism.
"We have submitted letters and proposals to the relevant authorities to preserve the plantation, without any personal or external pressures.
"This effort is purely a social responsibility in line with Perkam's mission to conserve and restore nature, which is integral to human life," he added.
He also said the organisation has done everything possible to protect the forest plantation and now leaves it to the authorities to decide on saving the nation's forest biodiversity.
Attempts to obtain comments from Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad are ongoing.