FINAL VERSION FOR APPROVAL - Sdn Bhd - WWF Malaysia

Gunung Stong State Park Preliminary Management Plan
6.9.3 Buffer Areas Within Alienated Land
This category of buffer is found mainly along the eastern boundary of GSSP. This is to
minimise human-wildlife conflicts and encroachment. The inclusion of alienated land within
the buffer zone of the park does not require a change in land-ownership from private landowners
to the state government. The land ownership status may remain unchanged but
activities on alienated land within the buffer zone will have to be regulated so as to minimise
negative impacts on GSSP. For example, if the alienated land is under tree cover, such as
rubber or oilpalm plantation, then it should remain as such. The use of chemicals such as
pesticides and artificial fertilisers should also be minimised. Activities that have major and
long-lasting impacts on the environment such as mining, large-scale land development and
quarrying, should be strictly prohibited within buffer areas.
6.10 Physical Development
If the Perlis State Park model is to be adapted, there are ample provisions for development in
GSSP, as articulated in the legislation for Perlis State Park. For instance, in the Forest (State
Park) Rules 2002 of Perlis, under section 8(2):
“The Director, subject to directions that may be issued by the State Executive Committee,
with the approval of the Chief Minister, by order published in the Gazette may appoint any
person or company:
(a) to build, manage, or maintain any building, facilities; or infrastructure; or
(b) to undertake the provision of services within the state park.”
Section 8(4) also states:
“…the Director may within the state park:
(a) construct such trails, interpretive displays, signage, buildings, and fences, and
provide water supplies and refuse disposal facilities as he considers necessary;
(b) provide such accommodation, amenities, facilities and service within designated
zones as are likely to attract visitors to the state park and are not prejudicial to the
proper care, control, and management thereof.”
However, Section 8(5) states that:
“Before any approval is given under subsection (4), the Director shall be satisfied that:
(a) the construction of such infrastructures, facilities or buildings is essential and in the
interest of the public; and
(b) an environmental impact assessment of such infrastructures, facilities, or buildings
has been undertaken and that all conditions and measures to mitigate against any
adverse environmental impact have been complied with, or implemented to the
satisfaction of the director.”
However, to prevent any undesirable effects to wildlife, their interests, as provided in the
Protection of Wild Life Act 1972, are safeguarded in Section 9 of the Forest Rules.
Development in GSSP must be compatible with its primary purpose and objectives of
conservation, which must not be compromised by unsustainable tourism, and as such, must be
consistent with the protected area setting. Construction of physical facilities for tourism
within protected areas is one of the prescribed activities under the Environmental Quality
(Prescribed Activities) (Environmental Impact Assessment) Order 1987 of the Environmental
Quality Act 1974.
Under the Order, the activities listed below (relevant to GSSP) that would require an EIA are:
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