No choice but to de-list forest reserve, says Selangor MB

 

Selangor menteri besar Amirudin Shari said a state subsidiary with an interest in Bukit Cherakah will be asked not to continue with its project. (File pic)

SHAH ALAM: The Selangor government is to complete the process to de-gazette parts of Bukit Cherakah forest reserve to avoid legal action by companies with interests there, says menteri besar Amirudin Shari.

“If the government does not go through with it, it will be faced with a suit as the companies will lose their business opportunities there,” he said, as the delisting had been approved by the previous state government.

A state subsidiary with an interest in the property will be asked not to continue with its development project there, unless it involved public interest, such as the construction of roads or cemeteries, he said.

“But if it involves private companies, we can’t do anything because it was a decision by the previous government. We don’t have any avenue except to be prepared to pay compensation,” he said.

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A local daily had reported in July that parts of the forest reserve had been de-gazetted a total of 22 times since 1924. Several environmental groups said in July that they had plans to file a judicial review of the state government decision.

MRT3 route alignment

On the proposed alignment of the MRT3 rail project, which was said to affect 90 houses in Taman Kencana, Ampang, Amirudin said the matter would be brought to the attention of the state economic action council.

“The matter needs to be discussed with the state government. The alignment needs to be determined by the state government beforehand as it involves land appropriation.

“I am sure the matter will be brought to the economic action council for us to consider the alignment and its impact and problems,” he said. - FMT