IPOH: The state government will be meeting the state Forestry Department director on Wednesday (June 8) on its decision to impose a fee for hikers at Bukit Kledang here.

       Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad (pic) said department director Datuk Mohamed Zin Yusop would be briefing the state executive council over the matter.

       ALSO READ: Enforcement of permit to enter Kledang Saiong forest reserve postponed, says Saarani

       "He will also submit a written answer over the issue to me," Saarani told a press conference after the state-level “Meeting the Customer Day” at Stadium Indera Mulia on Tuesday (June 7).

       The department had over the weekend announced that hikers at the popular hiking site would need to get an annual pass to carry out recreational activities through seasonal passes starting next month.

       ALSO READ: Bukit Kledang hikers against RM200 annual pass fee

       Malaysians will be charged between RM10 and RM200 while the permit fees for foreigners are from RM400 to RM800 with a processing fee of RM20.

       Following an outcry from the public, Saarani had on Monday (June 6) said that the enforcement of the permit has been postponed until further notice.

       When asked why he did not cancel the permit permanently, Saarani said the decision must be made by the state executive council.

       "I cannot make a decision without the exco members," he said.

       On the plan to conduct cloud seeding over the Bukit Merah Dam in Bagan Serai, Saarani said it would still continue despite the water level there showing some improvement.

       "Even though the water level has risen, it is still not enough.

       "Bukit Merah does not have any water sources and we need to be prepared during the drought season," he added.