KUALA LUMPUR – Umno information chief Shahril Hamdan urged Putrajaya to step in and help preserve the Kuala Langat North Forest Reserve, as the Selangor state government seems hell-bent on degazetting it.
Citing Article 83 of the federal constitution, Shahril said in a tweet tonight that the federal government can force the state to grant the land to Putrajaya, though it will definitely cost the central government.
“This would represent an aggressive, last-resort act. Lawyers can advise every which way.
“But if MB and excos don’t even listen to state reps and voters in public hearings, then as a matter of national interest, something equally outlandish should be considered to save it.
“Yes, it will cost the federal government in compensation to the state. But it would be a big statement of intent. See it as an investment in both our heritage and future, albeit a forced one.
“If the state is in it for the money, then take it and leave the forest reserve alone,” Shahril said in reply to Twitter user @KueAbdRahman, who wanted to know if he would be contesting in Kuala Langat, and if he would stop the degazettement if he secured the seat.
Can't answer the 1st question as it isn't up to me.
— Shahril Hamdan (@ShahrilHamdan) August 31, 2021
2nd, it's not abt stopping. As we found out yesterday, State govt has already degazetted. If they refuse to reverse, I think Federal govt should step in & force the State to grant the land to Federal under Constitution Art 83. https://t.co/vnHuKQgbbS
Yesterday, it was reported that more than half of the Kuala Langat North Forest Reserve has been degazetted by the state government since May.
State Tourism, Environment and Green Technology exco Hee Loy Sian told the Selangor assembly today that the decision came about after taking into account the interest of the Orang Asli, biodiversity in the area, and other objections.
He was quoted as saying that the three new forest reserves, which total 581.8ha, are in Sg Panjang, Ampang Pecah, and Broga.
Bukit Lanjan assemblyman Elizabeth Wong, however, highlighted that the assembly decided in November to not degazette the forest.
She was quoted as saying that Selangor should not sacrifice the forest reserve as the state has enough land for development.
In reply, Hee said the decision to degazette the forest reserve was a unanimous one by the state exco.
Selangor’s PKR Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amiruddin Shari has been summoned by the PKR leadership to provide a detailed explanation over the decision to degazette land from the Kuala Langat North Forest Reserve.
He is expected to meet the party brass tomorrow. – The Vibes, August 31, 2021
