Activists, lawmakers laud Kuala Langat forest reserve reversal
Activists and lawmakers have lauded the Selangor government’s move to cancel plans to develop the Kuala Langat (North) forest reserve.
They also commended the re-gazettement of excised portions as permanent forest reserves, which was earlier earmarked to make way for housing projects.
Environmental rights groups Greenpeace Malaysia and Klima Action Malaysia (Kamy) viewed the decision as a win for those who campaigned against the degazettement.
“Finally, a win for the forest reserve and people power,” tweeted Greenpeace Malaysia yesterday.
Kamy similarly celebrated the news on Twitter.
“One more victory for the people today. Thank you to all individuals and organisations who have fought in the Hutan Pergi Mana (Where Have the Forests Gone) campaign,” it said.
Orang Asli artist and activist Shahar ‘Shaq’ Koyok, a prominent voice against the degazettement, thanked fellow activists for their work in protecting the forests.
“This showed the power of the people! Thanks Global Environment Centre, Suaram, Greenpeace Malaysia, Kamy, M Solidariti, Pertubuhan Pelindung Khazanah Air (Peka), Five Arts Centre and everyone involved in this fight!” he tweeted last night.
Willingness to listen
Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari held a state executive council (exco) meeting over the controversial degazettement yesterday and later announced it would jettison the plan.
Of the excised 536.7ha, 42.1ha will remain as de-gazetted land as compensation for Kampung Orang Asli Busut Baru. Another unspecified “small area” where the East Coast Rail Link alignment will cut through will also remain de-gazetted.
The rest, however, will be reclassified as part of the permanent forest reserve. In addition, the four new forest reserves - initially part of the state government’s “forest replacement” plan - will retain their protected status.
Selangor backbenchers council chairperson Elizabeth Wong commended Amirudin for his “courage and leadership”.
“I wish to congratulate MB Amirudin and the Selangor state exco for reversing the decision to degazette the forest reserve.
“This reversal shows an exemplary willingness of the Selangor state government to listen to voices of concerned leaders, environmental NGOs, elected representatives and citizens,” the Bukit Lanjan assemblyperson said in a statement last night.
A former state exco overseeing the environment portfolio, Wong highlighted that Selangor is the only state that had a legal provision mandating public hearings for any plan to degazette forest reserves.
“I look forward to this provision being included in the National Forestry Act 1984 in order to further protect forests in the country, which are increasingly vulnerable to development and economic activities,” proposed the PKR lawmaker.
Fellow Selangor backbencher and DAP Kuala Kubu Baru assemblyperson Lee Kee Hiong similarly welcomed the reversal.
In the wake of the reversal, Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) vice president Dr Thanussha Francis Xavier called for vigilance on environmental issues in other parts of the country.
“While we celebrate this victory, let us not forget other development projects that are in progress despite the obvious environmental impact namely in Kedah, Pahang, Kelantan and Johor.
“The respective state governments and the federal government must remain committed to protecting the environment as they are duty-bound to respect the will of the people,” she said.
PKR supports decision
Meanwhile, Amirudin’s party PKR commended him for the decision.
Speaking on behalf of the party’s political bureau, communications director Fahmi Fadzil said they backed the move.
“We want the express our appreciation for the MB who was open in receiving feedback from various quarters including the party leadership, NGOs and the public,” he said.
PKR had previously summoned Amirudin to explain the controversial degazettement.
The state exco had made the decision in May but this was only revealed three months later on Aug 30 during a Selangor legislative assembly session following questions from lawmakers.
The degazettement went ahead despite the fact that all Selangor assemblypersons had previously voted unanimously against it. The land was to be given to private firm Gabungan Indah Sdn Bhd for a mixed development project.
This sparked a chorus of objections from environmental groups, civil society organisations, netizens, lawmakers on both sides of the political divide as well as federal ministries.
Kuala Langat (North) is a peat swamp forest recognised as the habitat for the Malayan sun bear, Langat red fighting fish, the Selangor pygmy flying squirrel and meranti trees.
It is also a source of livelihood and food for the Orang Asli who live in the area. - Mkini
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