SLFR has identified two main threats on its forest resources namely, forest encroachment and forest fire. This is due the fact that more than 60% of its boundary parameter is surrounded by palm oil plantation. Hence, to ensure that encroachment activity is contain, two security checkpoints were strategically established and maintained at vulnerable point to encroachment. Several control measures are implemented including conducting unscheduled road inspection and river patrols during high-risk season, annual aerial survey and co-operation with adjacent estates in term of boundary monitoring, inspection and communication.
Several strategies are being implemented to safeguard SLFR from fire hazard. The strategies are outlined as follow:
- A fire tower was constructed in compartment 10 which provides a 24-hour monitoring of fire hazards during dry spells.
- ERT is established to conduct regular monitoring during dry spells and to respond promptly whenever a forest fire occurs.
- Emergency Preparedness and Response procedure (Document No: KTSP/SOP/447-02 /447-02) was established to provide guidelines for the ERT to ensure an effective implementation of preventive and control measures.
- Division of the concession SLFR into two fire management zones.
Zone 1:- Most of the areas are with flat to undulating geographical structure, water is available during long drought, road network is extensive and easily accessible.
Zone 2:- Area identified to be without a permanent water source. Area identified to encounter accessibility problems.
Fire zoning is important for ERT to know, identify and apply the appropriate preventive and control measures.
- Making available fire-fighting training programs which include awareness education, law requirements, techniques and reduction of fire hazards and risks.
- Fire access road as shown in Map 15: Forest Protection – Forest Fires are established to provide effective ground patrol in detecting forest fires. The fire routes are accessible at all times during the dry season.
- Established fire breaks along compartment boundaries as shown in Map 15: Forest Protection – Forest Fires. The fire breaks are the existing secondary roads with approximately 6 – 8 meters wide in accordance with RIL guidelines. The secondary roads are maintained especially in areas with active human activities as preventive measures to control the low intensity wildfires.
Forest fire drills are conducted to evaluate effectiveness of the preventive and control measures.