NGO leader hails landmark decision on Bukit Kiara buffer zone

 Friends of Bukit Kiara vice-president Tan Boon Hua says the initiative will help protect biodiversity.

Federal territories minister Hannah Yeoh said Kuala Lumpur City Hall imposed the buffer zone following concerns raised by Friends of Bukit Kiara and residents. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA:

 An NGO leader has hailed a decision by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to impose a 300m buffer zone on a proposed development opposite a recreational park in Bukit Kiara, saying it will help protect the biodiversity in the area.

Friends of Bukit Kiara vice-president Tan Boon Hua also described the buffer zone as a “landmark decision”.

Tan Boo Hua.

“Never has there been a key policy decision in the history of Kuala Lumpur that land use has specifically been designated as a no-development buffer zone to protect bio-diversity in a green lung.

“This decision, at its most fundamental, will give the biodiversity in Bukit Kiara, particularly the nine firefly species, the best chance possible to be protected and hopefully to continue to thrive,” he told FMT.

Tan said the NGO had seen first hand the impact of a small scale water tank expansion development on the firefly count over two consecutive years.

He said it was logical to assume that development would affect biodiversity through direct habitat loss and from taking place too close to existing habitats.

“That is why a meaningfully wide buffer zone is extremely crucial,” he said.

Tan expressed hope that buffer zones will be imposed at all other green lungs in the capital, noting that a similar arrangement is being pursued in Bukit Dinding.

The buffer zone was announced yesterday by federal territories minister Hannah Yeoh, who said DBKL imposed the zone following concerns raised by Friends of Bukit Kiara as well as residents.

She said the mud flood at the Bukit Kiara Federal Park office following heavy rainfall had raised further concerns over slope stability and runoff risks.

“We must do all we can to preserve and protect these green jewels for all Malaysians and future generations,” she said in a Facebook post. - FMT