Shah Alam’s small but mighty forest under threat

 

A lake lies along the path taken by hikers in the Shah Alam community forest.

PETALING JAYA: The Shah Alam community forest is a hidden gem nestled comfortably between several major townships. It is a popular hiking spot for residents here, but its land status remains unprotected, exposing it to threats of development.

Alicia Teoh, secretary and founder of the Shah Alam Community Forest Society (SACF) told FMT that the forest, covering about 161 hectares (400 acres), is significant to maintain an ecological corridor with two other permanent forest reserves at its north and south. The three forests cover over 2,400 hectares (6,000 acres) altogether.

She said maintaining this ecological corridor, or pathway for animals to roam around, is now more crucial than ever with future plans to expand surrounding townships.

A snapshot of the Shah Alam city council (MBSA) 2035 local draft plan, which marks the small Shah Alam community forest for mixed development and cemeteries.

FMT followed the SACF team together on a camera-trapping activity, where they hoped to capture evidence of more wildlife movement.

“We are continuously expanding our (wildlife) database. We have identified over 300 confirmed species so far, here in our forest. We are aiming to get footage of species that we were unable to get through other means, especially nocturnal animals and the Malayan Tapir.”

A camera being installed to capture wildlife movement for the SACF species database.

She said many hikers and SACF committee members have sighted droppings and footprints of the tapir, which is an endangered species.

Teoh said the society’s database would show that even a small forest like the Shah Alam community forest could have high ecological impact.

“For species to thrive, they need areas to roam. Therefore, it’s very important that if we want to protect a species or ensure the continuation of the species, we need to have sufficient land mass for it to travel.”

One of the hiking trails in the Shah Alam community forest, which is visited by 1,000 hikers in an average week.

The forest is flanked by seven major neighbourhoods including Setia Alam, Setia Ecopark, Alam Budiman and Bandar Nusa Rhu. It is popular with hikers looking for a quick escape from city life, and attracts more than 1,000 visitors every week, the society said.

This is no surprise – anybody would find themselves immersed in the rich sights and sounds one would expect from a natural rainforest. Indeed, a rarity in modern Shah Alam.

She added that visitors would report improvements in their mental and physical wellness too. The easier trails are also family-friendly and children would get to experience and learn about nature.

Those who visit would be guided by markers left by previous hikers with rope or makeshift signposts. The trails range in difficulty, and newer ones would be shared on resident association or hiking enthusiast Facebook and Whatsapp groups.

SACF says the government views the small forest to be less valuable.

Wildlife conservationists testing out the camera to see if it is functioning.

It has remained largely untouched, apart from some selective logging in several areas. However, in 2019, the group found it had been excised as a permanent forest reserve without any official notice in the Selangor gazette.

“We have sent countless letters to the menteri besar, the mayor, the executive councillor for the environment, and so many other parties, to try to get them to see the value of this forest.”

Several parts of the forest have already been slated for mixed development, cemeteries and roads under the Shah Alam city council (MBSA) 2035 draft development plan published recently.

Alicia Teoh, founder of the Shah Alam Community Forest Society says urban forests are becoming more crucial to the environment and the community, the more the country is developed.

Teoh cautioned that the forest may be flattened in a matter of years if the government fails to protect it. Faced with this gloomy outlook, she hoped that the Selangor government would do what is best for the people, but admitted curbing the currents of development may seem futile.

“I’m hopeful that the state government will hear us and that they won’t let us down. It is so important that we maintain a forest like this that the community can access and benefit from.

The Shah Alam city council plan shows plans that the forest would be bulldozed to make way for development.

In September, executive councillor Hee Loy Sian, who heads the Selangor state tourism, environment, green technology and Orang Asli affairs standing committee, said the road and housing project at the community forest is not within permanent forest reserve land.

He said the land had been degazetted by the previous state government.

One of the many scenic views for visitors as they enter the forest.

Hee assured that the state government’s practice was to immediately replace any permanent forest reserve land that is to be degazetted, in line with amendments to the Selangor State Forestry Act 1985 (Adoption) Enactment.

Amid a backdrop of rapid development, it is no wonder that the forest is dear to many tired urbanites living around it, especially since nature retreats in Selangor are growing extinct as years go by. - FMT