MCA urges govt to defer Sungai Buloh nursery evictions, calls for fair relocation plan

 

AN MCA leader has called on the government to defer the eviction of 66 nursery operators in Sungai Buloh Greenlane, describing the current directive as rushed and lacking proper relocation arrangements.

The operators have been instructed to vacate their premises by April 15 to make way for the Damansara–Shah Alam Expressway (DASH) project.

MCA deputy president Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon said the timeline was unreasonable, warning that affected operators now face “a triple burden” of displacement without viable alternatives, rising costs, and severe time pressure.

“This situation is untenable and demands urgent attention,” he said.

He noted that the Sungai Buloh nursery hub, with a history spanning over 50 years, is not only a key distribution centre for festive plants but also a significant part of local heritage and grassroots economic activity.

“A forced and hurried clearance will not only devastate livelihoods, but may also erase a longstanding cultural and commercial landmark,” he stressed.

Dr Mah noted that while infrastructure development is important, it must not come at the expense of people’s welfare.

“Behind these 66 operators are 66 families whose livelihoods are now at risk. Abrupt eviction without adequate safeguards is neither just nor acceptable,” he argued, adding that a people-centric approach must remain central to governance.

Dr Mah went on to urge the government to provide suitable and sustainable relocation options, noting that the nursery industry requires specific land conditions, accessibility, and customer flow.

“Authorities must identify and develop alternative sites with genuine commercial viability and proper infrastructure, rather than resorting to arbitrary relocation,” he said.

Dr Mah also proposed a minimum six-month transition period to allow for orderly relocation, describing the current deadline as impractical, particularly amid rising fuel prices and increasing transportation and labour costs.

“A reasonable buffer period is essential to mitigate losses and allow businesses to adjust,” he remarked.

In addition, he called for targeted assistance measures, including one-off relocation grants, rental subsidies, or low-interest financing, to ease the financial burden on affected operators.

“With global energy price volatility driving up operational costs, such support is both justified and necessary to prevent business closures,” he said.

Dr Mah further urged the government to preserve the identity of Sungai Buloh as a nationally recognised “festive flower hub”, especially during the Chinese New Year period.

“A coordinated relocation plan must ensure continuity of this identity, rather than allowing it to fade away,” he stated.

He also called for immediate engagement with affected stakeholders.

“The government must defer the clearance directive and engage in meaningful, constructive dialogue with all parties,” he said.

“True national progress is not defined solely by physical infrastructure, but by the ability to protect livelihoods and uphold social equity.” ‒  Focus Malaysia