Fate of Langat forest reserve still undecided, says exco

 

Kuala Langat North forest reserve was gazetted in 1927. Plans to remove protection of the reserve have sparked protests. (Bernama pic)

BESTARI JAYA: A proposal to degazette the Kuala Langat North forest reserve is still under discussion and the Selangor government is examining the views of relevant experts, said state executive councillor Hee Loy Sian.

Hee Loy Sian.

Hee, who is responsible for tourism, environment, green technology and Orang Asli affairs, said many aspects need to be taken into account, including the socio-economy, development and welfare of the Orang Asli.

“I am also taking into account the views of experts and professors from Universiti Putra Malaysia, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, and other universities on whether the forest should be degazetted or not.

“We respect the views of non-governmental organisations and the Orang Asli. We will look at all aspects not only of forests but the Orang Asli, and economic and development aspects,” he told reporters after handing over a land title to a Chinese temple here today.

The Kuala Langat North forest reserve is located in Mukim Tanjung 12, Kuala Langat district. It was gazetted on May 13, 1927. The fate of the forest reserve came to public attention following notice of public investigation by the state Forestry Department early last year.

The notice, which seeks to gain public opinion following the proposed degazetting of the 931ha of swamp forest reserve, sparked controversy among the community, especially the Orang Asli who have depended on the forest for their livelihood for hundreds of years.

The peatland forest is estimated to be around 8,000 years old and environmentalists say the de-gazettement will endanger such species as the Malayan Sun Bear, Selangor Pygmy Flying Squirrel, and Langat Red Fighting Fish.

Hee said that if the degazetting is implemented, the state government would replace it with better forests.

“We will not reduce the number of forest reserves in the state of Selangor. That is why we have to think about many aspects because if we want to remove it, we have to find a replacement (forest) that is of better quality than the existing one … that is our policy.”

He said for Selangor’s development to continue, the state government would ensure that the total forest area is maintained at 32% or higher. - FMT