KUALA LUMPUR – Environment and Water Minister Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man has slammed the Selangor government’s decision to degazette parts of the Kuala Langat North Forest Reserve for development.
According to media reports, Tuan Ibrahim said any depletion of existing forest reserves will affect Malaysia’s Nationally Determined Contribution to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change 2021 target of 45% reduction in carbon intensity (per GDP).
The minister also addressed allegations concerning parts of the Sg Panjang land slated to replace the degazetted parts of KLNFR.
“No environmental impact assessment (EIA) report has been submitted to the Department of Environment (DoE) on issues concerning parts of the Sg Panjang land.
“Whether or not development at Sg Panjang is justified is subject to the results of the EIA assessment as required under Section 34A of the Environmental Quality Act 197,” he said in a statement.
The section referred to by the minister states that any contravention is an offence punishable by a fine not exceeding RM100,000 or imprisonment not more than five years, or both.
He also gave his assurance that his ministry is willing to work with state governments to find solutions, stating that his priority is to ensure development projects are pursued sustainably without a negative impact on the environment.
Yesterday, the Selangor Agricultural Development Corporation (PKPS) said allegations by the Coalition for the Protection of Selangor’s Forests (CSPF) accusing the corporation of encroaching on Sg Panjang land was defamatory and made in bad faith.
PKPS added it will file a defamation suit against those involved.
Nevertheless, despite threats of a suit, CSPF stood by its claims.
The coalition said in a statement that its assertions were made based on credible site monitoring, assessment and analysis conducted over two years. The CSPF also said it has consulted PKPS for nearly 20 years.
The CSPF claims it sent a letter to PKPS in March seeking an explanation regarding incidents at Sg Panjang, but received no direct response.
The Vibes has contacted PKPS for comments on the matter and is currently awaiting its response. – The Vibes, September 7, 2021
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