KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government will investigate claims that forest reserve land has been advertised for sale on online trading websites, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor announced.

Hajiji was referring to a link that went viral on social media, alleging that nine listings for land within a tropical rainforest area of 80,000ha, spanning Sabah and Sarawak, were advertised on two online trading platforms.

The link was posted on a website managed by an organisation claiming to be a regional independent observer conducting research and analysis on climate-related issues.

Hajiji said his office is in the process of complete information on such claims and advised the public to seek information from reliable sources.

"We need to look into this first. In cases like this, the public should not easily be swayed by unverified information on social media.

"For accurate clarification, information should be sought from the relevant agencies or departments. So, I will investigate this matter," he told reporters after launching the Academic Excellence Recognition Ceremony (MEKAR XII) for the Sabah State Education Department for 2024 at the Sabah International Convention Centre today.

Sabah Forest Conservator Datuk Frederick Kugan, when contacted, said that an investigation would be conducted into the two trading websites as claimed in the viral link.

"The public is advised to contact the Sabah Forestry Department regarding any matters related to forest reserves.

"It is distressing that online platforms are being used to advertise the sale of forest land within protected reserves, potentially deceiving investors," he said.

Frederick also noted that among the areas allegedly advertised on the two trading websites are the Sungai Pinangah Forest Reserve, covering 21.4 hectares, and the Banggi Forest Reserve, covering 4,856 hectares (Class I - Protection Forest).

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/07/1083397/hajiji-orders-probe-viral-claims-forest-reserve-sales