Group disputes Selangor exco's claim Shah Alam Community Forest was degazetted

 

The Shah Alam Community Forest Society has disputed the Selangor government’s claim that the Shah Alam Community Forest (SACF), where earthworks are taking place, had been de-gazetted and is no longer part of the Bukit Cherakah Forest Reserve.

This was after Selangor exco Hee Loy Sian said the area was de-gazetted in 2006 and cited the reference number “PW1443”.

However, the group said PW1443 does not refer to the gazette notification but a survey plan, which is not proof of de-gazettement.

“Survey plan PW1443 was signed on Sept 7, 2006 by Selangor state director of survey and mapping John Elvis Koh.

“This document is indeed a plan to de-gazette the forest. But the survey plan is not proof that the forest has been de-gazetted.

“The proof must come from the gazette itself. The gazette is published, surveys are not. A gazette notification is required by Section 13 of the Forestry Enactment.

“We have checked the gazette and found that the Bukit Cherakah Forest Reserve was not gazetted in 2006,” it said in a statement.

Therefore, the Shah Alam Community Forest Society said Hee’s statement was misleading.

“Until a gazette notification is issued, the area in question is still part of the forest reserve.

“Notification of government decisions in the gazette is a core part of our democracy. The process ensures transparency and accountability.

“Trying to shortcut the process is against the rule of law,” he said.

The group called for the clearing of trees in the SACF to immediately cease.

They also want the Selangor Committee on Accountability and Transparency to conduct a hearing into the matter.

The land being cleared is part of several parcels of land which some activists claim was part of the Bukit Cherakah forest reserve before being purportedly excised.

In its latest draft local plan, Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) designated a portion of the SACF as cemetery land and another portion for mixed development.

It also wants to build a road through the forest.

On Aug 17, a Malayan Tapir was rescued by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) in the vicinity of the Bukit Cherakah forest reserve before being relocated. - Mkini