1 September 2021

Rakyat betrayed! Selangor’s decision to degazette forest reserves in Kuala Langat despicable & counters State Legislative Assembly’s decision

During the Selangor State Legislative Assembly sitting in November last year, the House passed a unanimous vote in favour of protecting all forest reserves in the state. Yet, it was revealed two days ago (30 August 2021) in the state assembly sitting that the Pakatan Harapan State Government has degazetted 54% of the Kuala Langat forest reserves since May to be developed commercially.

The unilateral decision to degazette forest reserves is unacceptable, especially since a vote was carried out previously with unanimous support from all Selangor state elected representatives. The Selangor Pakatan State Government should rightfully revoke this decision and give an adequate account of the decision.

As a responsible administration, the Selangor Pakatan State Government should never put profit above the people’s welfare. In fact, there are still many perpetual issues in Selangor which warrant more attention, such as: water supply, flash floods, dengue, traffic congestions, and other infrastructure issues.

According to reports, there are still many parcels of land in Bestari Jaya, Rawang, Selayang, and even Shah Alam for development; so why doesn’t the state government use these non-forest reserve land? Forest reserves are important to ensure nature continues to thrive alongside civilisation, such profit-driven decisions were clearly not made with the people’s interest in mind.

Dato’ Ng Chok Sin

Selangor MCA State Liaison Committee Chairperson

-MCA Online-