SEREMBAN: All recreational forests in Negeri Sembilan have been closed from Monday (Dec 20) until further notice due to the ongoing floods, says State Forestry director Saleh Awaludin.

       He said the closure was due to safety reasons, as the current rainy season comes with the risk of gushing waters, landslides and falling trees.

       "We advise the public not to encroach any recreational forest at this point in time until further notice to prevent untoward incidents,” he told Bernama.

       Saleh said prior to this, the State Forestry Department had already closed the Kenaboi forest reserve in Jelebu to the public for hiking and camping activities due to unfavourable weather conditions.

       Saleh also said that the department was assessing the damage caused by the landslide at Taman Eko Rimba Jeram Toi, which damaged infrastructure in the area.

       Meanwhile, Kampung Amar Penghulu village head Maryani Chembeng said the landslide and floods at the recreational spot also caused extensive damage to a row of foodstalls, the children’s wading pool, main gates and bridges there.

       "Drifting logs and huge fallen trees have piled up in the waterfall area and also several villagers’ homes,” she said.

       She said this was the second-worst flood encountered in the village after the one in 1971. - Bernama