Segari, The Last Coastal Hill Forest in Malaysia

The Segari Melintang Forest Reserve, Manjung, Perak is a virgin forest reserve covering an area of 2,720.79 hectares. Previously, the forest area spanned 4,700 hectares, but nearly 2,000 hectares were destroyed for quarrying, livestock farming, and oil palm plantations.

The Segari Forest Reserve is the last coastal hill forest in our country and has been classified as a virgin forest reserve and a high-conservation-value forest. In truth, this type of forest is very rare, and in its current state, it appears threatened due to exposure to various factors driven by the greed of self-interested parties. For your information, this last coastal hill forest in Malaysia, the Segari Forest Reserve, also serves as a habitat for many flora and fauna species that are increasingly threatened and nearly extinct. Several rare hardwood tree species, such as Shorea Glauca (Balau Bunga) and the critically endangered endemic species, Balau Lumutensis, are found here. Both Shorea and Balau species have been listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.

The Segari Forest Reserve also houses a Turtle Hatchery and Information Center that has been operating since 1990. You might not know that Perak also has turtle landing sites, just like in Rantau Abang, Terengganu.

There is a beautiful and pristine waterfall within the Segari Forest Reserve that has not yet been commercialized. Various eco-tourism activities can be carried out there, with campsites available around the waterfall area.

The Segari Forest Reserve is vital for its life-sustaining functions, such as water purification, pest control, and erosion reduction. The area is also rich in high biological diversity.

All parties, especially the community throughout Perak, must open their eyes and take seriously the protection of the Segari Forest Reserve from various threats. Consider this the last treasure we have and do not waste it, so that future generations may benefit from it.

Adapted and Referenced from:

• Khairul Jamain