SHAH ALAM – Raja Muda of Selangor Tengku Amir Shah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has denied any links to a developer or any development project in the Kuala Langat North Forest Reserve (KLNFR).
“Some groups believe I am benefiting from such a decision. I would like to make my position clear: I have no link to Gabungan Indah Sdn Bhd or any development project in KLNFR,” he said in an Instagram post today.
This is in reference to a decision to degazette KLNFR, with the state Forestry Department in a statement on Wednesday saying it is in line with Selangor’s development goals towards socioeconomic stability and sustainability.
It stressed that the state government is maintaining about 46% of the forest in Tg Dua Belas, Kuala Langat, as a permanent reserve.
The proposal to degazette the forest reserve had undergone a thorough public investigation since the decision on the matter was received in November 2019, it said.
“The state government has also imposed several conditions on the developer Gabungan Indah, including retaining 20% of the development area as a green area, as well as the need for the translocation of flora and fauna species of interest.”
Tengku Amir Shah said he remains deeply concerned about the environment and how development impacts climate change, which will affect current and future generations.
“Forest areas, particularly peat swamp forests, play a vital role as carbon sinks to keep our planet cool and to slow down the rate of global warming. They are also home to rare flora and fauna, and their loss further risks diminishing our biodiversity.
“Going forward, I wish everyone pursues the most ambitious path. Make it all of our responsibility to protect and rehabilitate as much of this land. Empower and protect the community that exists there.
“Build a more sustainable community by having some empathy and foresight. Selangor resident won’t like seeing (KLNFR) go. We Malaysians want to do our part for this planet – to reverse our ecological mistakes and contribute positively to the environment.” – Bernama, September 4, 2021
