FINAL VERSION FOR APPROVAL - Sdn Bhd - WWF Malaysia

Gunung Stong State Park Preliminary Management Plan
Summary of Management Recommendations
Protected Area Legislation
The establishment, purpose and management of the park will be determined by the National
Forestry Act (Amendment) Enactment 2004, which closely follows the Perlis State Park
model of protected area establishment. Under this state legislation, GSSP will be managed by
the Kelantan State Forestry Department through the introduction of an additional category,
“State Park”, to the existing classification of forest reserves.
Law Enforcement
Law enforcement by park staff against illegal activities is based on two main legislative
sources, namely the Wild Life Protection Act 1972 (Amended 1976 & 1988) and the National
Forestry Act (Amendment) Enactment 2004. One of the most serious issues where law
enforcement is concerned is the encroachment by illegal sandalwood (gaharu) collectors,
whether foreign or otherwise. It is possible that they are also opportunistic poachers and
collectors of other forest produce including shoots of the endemic palm, Licuala stongensis,
for food. Actions that can be taken to improve law enforcement include more frequent
monitoring and patrols by park staff, the introduction of a reward system for informers and
tightening the registration process at entry-points, to prevent unauthorised entry.
Surveillance Patrols
There should be frequent and random patrols by park staff within GSSP and along its borders.
Persons committing illegal activities should be apprehended and the laws enforced where
necessary. The mere presence of park officers in itself can act as an effective deterrence
against illegal activities. Joint operations can also be conducted with relevant agencies such as
the Department Wildlife and National Park (DWNP), the army and the Police General
Operations Force, to apprehend the offenders.
Organisational Structure
It is recommended that the Park Officer is a Forestry Officer of Grade G42, reporting directly
to the Deputy Director, State Forestry Department. Reporting to him will be 2 Assistant Park
Officers (G27), under each of which will be 2 Park Rangers (G17), with 3 Assistant Park
Rangers (Forest Guard, Grade G11). A driver (R3) reports directly to each Asst. Park Officer.
Terms Of Reference for the State Parks Committee
This will be chaired by the Menteri Besar and consist of senior state officers. The committee
to meet a minimum of twice a year, to decide on policy issues relating to protected areas in
Kelantan.
Terms of Reference for the State Parks Management Committee
This committee is to be chaired by the State Secretary, and has the mandate to decide on key
management issues pertaining to protected area in the State, including presenting proposals
for new state parks to the State Parks Committee. This committee will meet twice a year.
The Terms of Reference for the Gunung Stong State Park Technical Working
Committee
This committee is formed primarily to guide the formation and management of the GSSP, and
will meet regularly to discuss management issues related to it, and is chaired by the Director,
Kelantan Forestry Department. Any form of development within GSSP must be approved by
the Technical Committee. This is because different agencies may have different visions for
development and tourist promotion of GSSP and surrounding areas. Lack of communication
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