Forest Offences in Protected Areas: An Appraisal to Maqasid Shariah in Federal and State Government Relationship
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33102/uij.vol34no3.489Keywords:
forest offences, wildlife crime, protected area, forest reserve, maqasid shariahAbstract
Forest encroachment and illegal logging are statutorily recognised as forest offences under several forest-related acts. This is significant in a way it can mitigate the adverse loss of major biodiversity, forest environment quality and forest-dependent livelihood. Forest offences and wildlife crime are found to take place within the protected area, i.e., permanent reserve forests (PRF), national parks, sanctuaries and state land forests. This article adopts a qualitative method by using doctrinal research. Related forest legislation, statistical data on forest offences, wildlife crimes and literature are analysed to find gaps in the current statutory protection of the forest environment. Forest can be found listed under List II (State List) and List III (Concurrent List) in the Ninth Schedule of the Federal Constitution of Malaysia. Due to this fragmentation of jurisdiction of the law-making power, the forest is governed by different laws and agencies. Thus, the dynamic relationship between state and federal government is significant in ensuring forests that are home to thousands of species of biodiversity, flora and fauna are safeguarded and protected for future generations to cherish. From the Islamic perspective, the protection of the environment particularly forests contributes towards fulfilling Maqasid Shariah (the higher objectives of Shariah). Besides, for the interest of the ummah, Maqasid Shariah encourages a good relationship between the federal and state governments.
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