The Selangor government said that the approximately 68ha of land near the Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve in Kinrara, Puchong, has not held the permanent forest reserve status for 99 years.
Selangor executive councillor for Public Health, Environment, Climate Change, and Green Technology Jamaliah Jamaluddin stated that a check with the state Forestry Department revealed that the area was degazetted to state land in 1926.
“Our checks found that the area is no longer a permanent forest reserve. Based on gazettement records, the area was originally part of the Ayer Itam Forest, which was gazetted in 1906.
“However, in 1926, the area was degazetted to state land and subsequently alienated for ownership,” Jamaliah said in a statement today.
Two days ago, Subang MP Wong Chen urged the state government to disclose the historical chronology of the parcel of land, which is said to be slated for development.
As a large portion of the land falls under his constituency, the PKR lawmaker also demanded that the transaction price of the land be revealed, citing concerns over “possible acquisition costs that may ultimately be borne by taxpayers”.
Wong reminded the state government that the Selangor Freedom of Information Enactment 2011 allows for such disclosures.
He said this after receiving a petition signed by 3,752 residents opposing the development on the land.
Opposition from residents
Last November, it was reported that a group of residents held a protest against the development project while urging Kinrara assemblyperson Ng Sze Han to explain the details of the proposed development in the area.
The protest was sparked by residents’ concerns over potential traffic congestion, environmental risks, and the loss of green space in an already densely populated township.
It was reported that preliminary documents shared during the social impact assessment process showed the proposed site is located adjacent to a Muslim cemetery, facing SJK(C) Kheng Chee, and extends towards Sri Kesidang, Rimba Residence, and Puncak Kinrara B Apartments.
‘No development applications’
On that note, Jamaliah said Ng’s office had been informed of the de-gazettement after the latter made a formal enquiry to confirm the matter.
She also confirmed that the Subang Jaya City Council informed her that it has not received any development applications for the area, contrary to what was reported.
“The state government will continue to ensure every decision made is based on facts, existing legal provisions, and the long-term interests of the state and the people,” Jamaliah added. - Mkini
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