Sabah Government to Investigate Claims of Rainforest Land Sale on Social Media
The Sabah government has announced an investigation into claims that areas of rainforest within the state are being advertised for sale on social media platforms. This announcement comes from Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, who stated that, as of now, his administration has not received detailed information regarding the matter.
Urging Caution Against Social Media Misinformation
Chief Minister Hajiji urged the public, especially the residents of Sabah, to exercise caution and not be easily influenced by information spread through social media without proper verification from relevant government agencies or departments.
“We will look into this matter first. In such cases, the public should not be easily swayed. To get accurate information, it must come from the relevant agencies or departments,” Hajiji emphasized. He highlighted the prevalence of deception and slander on social media and urged the public to rely on verified information.
Viral Claims of Rainforest Land Sales
The issue came to light following a viral link uploaded on a social media platform last Friday. The link alleged that nine listings of land in rainforest areas, totaling 80,000 hectares in Sabah and Sarawak, were being advertised for sale on an online marketplace. This information was reportedly uploaded by a body claiming to be a regional independent observer conducting research and analysis on climate-related issues.
Official Response from the Sabah Forestry Department
Chief Conservator of Forests Datuk Frederick Kugan responded to these claims, stating that the Sabah Forestry Department would be investigating allegations that two forest reserves were up for sale. Frederick advised the public to contact the department for any matters related to Forest Reserves.
Frederick expressed concern that users of online platforms were advertising the sale of lands within Forest Reserves, potentially scamming would-be investors. He reiterated the importance of verifying such claims with the Forestry Department to avoid falling victim to fraudulent schemes.
Importance of Verification
The Sabah government’s response highlights the critical need for public awareness and caution when dealing with information, especially concerning sensitive environmental issues like rainforest land sales. The government aims to protect the state’s natural resources and ensure that the public is not misled by false claims and deceptive practices.
Conclusion
The Sabah government’s swift action to investigate the claims of rainforest land sales advertised on social media underscores its commitment to safeguarding the state’s natural resources and maintaining public trust. Chief Minister Hajiji Noor’s call for verification and caution serves as a reminder to the public to rely on accurate information from credible sources. As the investigation proceeds, the government aims to ensure transparency and protect the integrity of Sabah’s rainforests.
