PETALING JAYA: The Selangor state government has agreed to begin regazetting the North Kuala Langat forest reserve, menteri besar Amirudin Shari announced today.
In a statement, he maintained that the earlier degazettement process had been done according to the relevant procedures stated under the law.
“The state government will stop the proposed development plan for the area and cancel the transfer of the land to the company (Gabungan Indah Sdn Bhd).”
Additionally, the 579ha of land in Sungai Panjang, Ampang Pechah and Bukit Broga that was initially allocated as replacement areas for the degazetted land will remain designated as permanent forest reserves.
“As a government based on the principle of accountability, the state government will write a letter to the Speaker of the Selangor state assembly to convene a meeting of the select committee on capability, accountability and transparency (Selcat) to answer any issues raised regarding the previous gazetting.”
Also, Amirudin announced that 104 acres of the forest will be designated for Kampung Orang Asli Busut Baru to resolve issues relating to the settlement’s relocation in 1994 to make way for KLIA.
A small portion of the reserve will also be considered for portentous use as part of the East Coast Rail Link route.
The decision to degazette 536.7ha of the reserve, which was made in May but only announced last week, came under fire from environmental NGOs and MPs alike.
Energy and natural resources minister Takiyuddin Hassan said his ministry, along with the departments and agencies under its jurisdiction, in principle did not agree to the plan.
He said the ministry had expressed its stance against the degazettement of the Kuala Langat North Forest Reserve, especially during the initial proposal stage by the Selangor state government.
Meanwhile, in an immediate response tonight, the PKR political bureau welcomed Amirudin’s decision.
“We appreciate the menteri besar for being open to the various views from the party’s leadership, NGOs, and the general public.”
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