The Primary Linkage (PL) is a critical area for re-establishing forest connectivity within the CFS, comprising a combination of Permanent Forest Reserves (HSK) and State Land Forests (HTK). It forms a continuous network of interconnected habitats and biodiversity areas, with forest islands connected to provide corridors for large mammals to move between habitats or forage from one forest to another.

The Secondary Linkage (SL) complements the Primary Linkage and consists of a combination of limited Permanent Forest Reserves (HSK) and State Land Forests (HTK), forest islands, agricultural areas, water bodies, and built-up areas. It is located in areas that are unsuitable for Primary Linkages due to physical, land-use, biological, and socio-economic factors. The stepping-stone concept is suitable for the movement of certain small vertebrate populations and some large mammal species.

The Ecological Network (RE) refers to forest habitats that connect or facilitate wildlife movement between forest islands within the CFS, either through existing natural forested networks or movement corridors such as rivers, valleys, and ridges.

Rapid development in the present day has led to the opening of new areas for various development activities, whether for agricultural or built-up purposes. In general, land-use changes significantly alter the composition of forest landscapes within the Ecological Network.

Therefore, the strategies and guidelines for CFS conservation outlined in this master plan should be integrated into development plans to ensure that land-use planning and development take into consideration their implications on forest ecosystems, thereby reducing the overall negative impacts on the environment.

The formulation of these strategies is also important for rebuilding, maintaining and enhancing connectivity between fragmented forest areas to establish a connected forest network across Peninsular Malaysia. In addition to helping preserve wildlife corridors, a well-connected forest network also plays a role in absorbing greenhouse gases and maintaining existing biodiversity assets.

The criteria taken into consideration in determining the boundaries of the CFS Ecological Network are as follows:

1. Wildlife movement routes and presence.
2. Locations of human-wildlife conflicts.
3. Locations where roadkill incidents have occurred, particularly those involving the Big 5 (Asian Elephant, Malayan Tiger, Malayan Leopard, Malayan Tapir, and Malayan Sun Bear).
4. Physical boundaries such as rivers, roads, highways, and railway routes.
5. Current land use and land cover.
6. HSK/HTK boundaries and land ownership boundaries.
7. Forest classification types.
8. Wildlife Reserves or gazetted areas of importance to wildlife.
9. State Parks/National Parks.
10. RKK areas.
11. HCVA areas.
12. Agricultural areas, mines, quarries, and forest plantations located between HSK areas.
13. UNESCO-designated boundaries, RAMSAR sites, and JWN sites.

There are more than 500 PRFs within the CFS area, covering 4.79 million hectares across eight states—Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Selangor and Terengganu—and involving 58 districts.

The total number of CFS Ecological Networks is 39, with the breakdown by state as follows:

• Johor: 3
• Kedah: 4
• Kelantan: 6
• Pahang: 9
• Perak: 8
• Selangor: 2
• Terengganu: 4
• Negeri Sembilan: 3

Johor (3)

1. J-PL1: Labis Forest Reserve – Semberong Tambahan Forest Reserve – Lenggor Forest Reserve – Mersing Forest Reserve
2. J-PL2: Panti Forest Reserve – Ulu Seili Forest Reserve
3. J-PL3: Panti Forest Reserve – Seluyut Forest Reserve

Kedah (1)

1. K-PL1: Ulu Muda Forest Reserve – Gunung Inas Forest Reserve

Kelantan (3)

1. D-PL1: Lojing Forest Reserve – Sungai Brok Forest Reserve – Sungai Betis Forest Reserve
2. D-PL2: National Park – Lebir Forest Reserve
3. D-PL3: Gunung Basor Forest Reserve (Pergau Lake) – Jeli Forest Reserve – Sg. Sator Forest Reserve – Sokotarku Forest Reserve

Pahang (6)

1. C-PL1: Tanum Forest Reserve (Greater Taman Negara) – Yu Forest Reserve (Main Range)
2. C-PL2: Ulu Jelai Forest Reserve – Bukit Bujang Forest Reserve – Hulu Lemoi Forest Reserve
3. C-PL3: Lesong Forest Reserve – Resak Forest Reserve
4. C-PL4: Bukit Ibam Forest Reserve – Sg. Marong Forest Reserve – Lesong Forest Reserve
5. C-PL5: Ibam Forest Reserve (Rompin) – Kedondong Forest Reserve – Pekan Forest Reserve – Nenasi Forest Reserve
6. C-PL6: Bera RAMSAR Reserve – Ibam Forest Reserve

Perak (5)

1. A-PL1: Temengor Forest Reserve – Amanjaya Forest Reserve – Belum Forest Reserve
2. A-PL2: Padang Chong Forest Reserve – Sungai Kuak Forest Reserve – Lapang Ninering Forest Reserve
3. A-PL3: Belukar Semang Forest Reserve – Kenderong Forest Reserve – Bintang Hijau Forest Reserve
4. A-PL4: Bintang Hijau Forest Reserve (Larut & Matang) – Bintang Hijau Forest Reserve (Hulu Perak)
5. A-PL5: Bukit Larut Forest Reserve – Bubu Forest Reserve

Terengganu (2)

1. T-PL1: Tasik Kenyir State Park – Tembat Forest Reserve – Petuang Forest Reserve – Gunung Tebu Forest Reserve
2. T-PL2: Jerangau Forest Reserve – Jerangau Forest Reserve

Kedah (3)

1. K-SL1: Ulu Muda Forest Reserve – Bukit Saiong Forest Reserve – Pedu Forest Reserve – Chebar Forest Reserve
2. K-SL2: Ulu Muda Forest Reserve – Rimba Telui Forest Reserve
3. K-SL3: Gunung Bongsu Forest Reserve – Gunung Inas Forest Reserve

Kelantan (3)

1. D-SL1: Lebir Forest Reserve – Relai Forest Reserve – Ulu Temiang Forest Reserve – Jentiang Forest Reserve – Serasa Forest Reserve – Gunung Stong State Park
2. D-SL2: National Park – Chiku Forest Reserve
3. D-SL3: Chabang Tongkat Forest Reserve – Ulu Sat Forest Reserve

Pahang (3)

1. C-SL1: Krau Wildlife Reserve – Bencah Forest Reserve – Som Forest Reserve – Yong Forest Reserve
2. C-SL2: Lepar Forest Reserve – Berkelah Forest Reserve
3. C-SL3: Chini Forest Reserve – Lepar Forest Reserve

Perak (3)

1. A-SL1: Bintang Hijau Forest Reserve – Papulut Forest Reserve – Piah Forest Reserve
2. A-SL2: Bujang Melaka Forest Reserve – Bukit Tapah Forest Reserve – Bukit Kinta Forest Reserve
3. A-SL3: Bubu Forest Reserve – Matang Mangrove Forest

Selangor (2)

1. B-SL1: Raja Musa Forest Reserve – Bukit Tarek Forest Reserve – Gading Forest Reserve
2. B-SL2: Hulu Langat Forest Reserve – Sungai Lalang Forest Reserve

Terengganu (2)

1. T-SL1: Bukit Bauk Forest Reserve – Rasau Kertih Forest Reserve – Besul Forest Reserve – Jerangau
2. T-SL2: Hulu Nerus Forest Reserve – Hulu Setiu Forest Reserve – Setiu Wetlands State Park

Negeri Sembilan (3)

1. N-SL1: Triang Forest Reserve – Triang Forest Reserve
2. N-SL2: Angsi Forest Reserve – Berembun Forest Reserve
3. N-SL3: Kenaboi Forest Reserve – Kenaboi Forest Reserve

19 out of 39 CFS Ecological Networks are in a threatened condition. The breakdown by state is as follows:

• Johor: 1 (J-PL2)
• Kedah: 2 (K-SL2, K-SL3)
• Kelantan: 4 (D-SL1, D-PL3, D-SL2, D-SL3)
• Pahang: 6 (C-PL2, C-PL3, C-PL4, C-PL6, C-SL2, C-SL3)
• Perak: 4 (A-PL2, A-SL1, A-SL2, A-SL3)
• Selangor: 1 (B-SL1)
• Terengganu: 1 (T-SL2)
• Negeri Sembilan: None

The main factors placing these Ecological Linkages under threat are the significant expansion of agricultural areas, loss of forest connectivity and increased land-use activities.

Malaysia’s last Sumatran rhinoceros was confirmed to have died at the Borneo Rhino Sanctuary in November 2019, while the National Tiger Survey recorded fewer than 200 Malayan Tigers in Malaysia in 2018.

The last Sumatran Rhinoceros in Malaysia was confirmed dead at the Borneo Rhinoceros Sanctuary in November 2019, while the National Tiger Survey recorded fewer than 200 Malayan Tigers in Malaysia in 2018.

Five major wildlife species (the Big 5) that are increasingly threatened can be found within the CFS Ecological Network (RE), namely the Asian Elephant, Malayan Tapir, Malayan Sun Bear, Malayan Leopard, and Malayan Tiger.

From 2017 to 2019, 1,092 wildlife deaths were recorded as a result of roadkill, of which 22 occurred within CFS Ecological Linkages areas. These included Elephants (3), Tapirs (4) and Leopards (4).

From 2010 to 2018, an annual average of 6,370 HWC complaints was recorded involving macaques, wild boars, elephants, common palm civets and pig-tailed macaques. Losses attributed to HWC were valued at RM25.1 million from 2013 to 2018.

The purpose of constructing viaducts is to reduce human-wildlife conflicts, prevent wildlife deaths caused by vehicle collisions (roadkill), and ensure ecosystem connectivity as well as the movement of large and medium-sized wildlife such as elephants, tigers, tapirs, and other species that require extensive home ranges.

To date, three underpass-type viaducts have been constructed under the Central Forest Spine (CFS) initiative in Peninsular Malaysia, namely:

1. Sungai Yu Eco-Viaduct in Pahang, which is the longest wildlife viaduct in Malaysia, measuring approximately 900 metres in length. The viaduct was constructed to connect the Titiwangsa Range with Taman Negara through the Sungai Yu corridor. This structure plays a key role in reducing the risk of road accidents involving wildlife such as elephants and tigers.
2. CFS Ecological Network A-PL1 Viaduct at KM147 of the Gerik-Jeli Highway, Perak. It is a pilot project under the implementation of the CFS Master Plan and serves as a safe passage for large species, including elephants, tigers and tapirs. The location was selected due to its position within a critical wildlife crossing area frequently used by wildlife to move between the Belum-Temenggor Forest Complex and the surrounding forests.
3. Sungai Deka Viaduct in Terengganu, located along the Gua Musang-Tasik Kenyir road. The area has been identified as a natural habitat for elephants, tapirs and sun bears. The construction of the viaduct at this location allows wildlife movement along the natural valley corridor to continue without posing a risk of collisions with vehicles.
4. For your information, another viaduct will be constructed at CFS Ecological Network J-PL1, namely KM102 of the Batu Pahat-Jamaluang Road, Johor. The location was selected due to its position within a critical wildlife crossing area frequently used by wildlife to move between the Mersing Forest Reserve and Lenggor Forest Reserve, Kluang, Johor.

All of these viaducts were developed at carefully selected locations based on ecological studies, species distribution and wildlife movement records. Their construction has not only helped to reduce roadkill incidents involving wildlife but has also strengthened forest landscape connectivity, thereby contributing to national biodiversity conservation efforts.

PIRECFS 2022 is prepared in two separate volumes, whereby Volume 1 focuses on CFS conservation and the overall Ecological Network. Volume 2 is prepared by state, comprising eight separate reports.

The PIRECFS 2022 outlines five (5) objectives, 14 strategies, 38 actions, and 228 initiatives to ensure that the CFS Ecological Network (RE CFS) in Peninsular Malaysia and the country’s biodiversity are preserved more effectively and implemented in a practical and sustainable manner. These strategies, actions, and initiatives are structured under the following objectives:

• Objective 1: Effective Development Planning and Control;
• Objective 2: Integrated Biodiversity Preservation and Conservation;
• Objective 3: Sustainable Socioeconomic Development;
• Objective 4: Effective Governance and Comprehensive Public Awareness
• Objective 5: Strengthening More Efficient Legislation.

This Master Plan has been formulated in alignment with and in accordance with the existing policy framework, particularly the National Tiger Conservation Action Plan and the International Elephant Conservation Action Plan, to ensure the establishment and maintenance of interconnected forest networks that support the conservation of habitats and facilitate the movement of these wildlife species.

Rapid development is driving the opening of new areas for various development activities, including agriculture and built-up development. In general, land-use changes have significantly altered the composition of forest landscapes within Ecological Linkages.

Oleh yang demikian strategi serta panduan pemeliharaan CFS di dalam pelan induk ini seharusnya diintegrasikan ke dalam rancangan pemajuan bagi memastikan perancangan guna tanah dan pembangunan mengambil kira implikasinya kepada ekosistem hutan seterusnya dapat mengurangkan kesan negatif kepada alam sekitar secara keseluruhan.

Pembentukan strategi ini juga penting untuk membina semula, mengekalkan dan meningkatkan hubungan antara kawasan hutan yang terpisah bagi mewujudkan satu rangkaian hutan yang bersambung di Semenanjung Malaysia. Selain membantu memelihara laluan hidupan liar, rangkaian hutan yang baik turut berperanan menyerap gas rumah hijau dan mengekalkan aset biodiversiti sedia ada.

Malaysia remains committed to environmental conservation through its participation in global agreements on wildlife and forestry conservation. The Central Forest Spine Ecological Network Master Plan (PIRECFS 2022), with the vision ‘Reconnecting the Forests’, encompasses ongoing efforts to preserve biodiversity.

Wildlife crossings or viaducts are bridge structures or specially designed passages constructed above or below roads to allow wildlife to cross safely. Viaducts are built to reconnect forest areas that have been separated by the construction of roads, highways or other infrastructure. These viaducts serve as corridors, roaming areas and feeding areas for wildlife.

The criteria taken into consideration in selecting Permanent Forest Reserves (HSK) within the CFS Ecological Network are as follows:

1. Forested areas.
2. Locations identified as wildlife corridors and roaming areas.
3. Locations where human-wildlife conflicts have occurred, based on records from relevant agencies and complaints from local residents.
4. Locations where roadkill incidents on roads or highways have been recorded, including information on the frequency and species involved.
5. No existing land alienation commitments or applications for land alienation.