In a press conference today, Rafizi said he was alerted to this by an informant, who had claimed that 4,839ha of Pekan’s forest reserves had been cleared.

Rafizi said he then compared satellite maps with a map he had received from those in the logging industry.

He came to the conclusion that there was reason to believe that many parts of the forests had been cleared.

FMT contacted the Pahang Forestry Department and was informed by an officer that his men would look into the allegations.

Rafizi and Kuantan MP Fuziah Salleh, who was also present, called on Najib to provide an immediate response in his capacity as Pekan MP.

Rafizi also claimed to have in his possession more information about deforestation activities in Pahang.

He said he would “reveal piece by piece each affected district” until he received a valid explanation and a promise that the problem would be rectified.

“I will continue to investigate who is the one behind the deforestation, and I will review the weaknesses on the part of the authorities to determine why the problem has been allowed to go on for so long.”