GOMBAK – The Selangor government is prepared to take over private lands surrounding Bukit Tabur in order to preserve the green lungs of the Gombak-Hulu Langat (GHL) National Geopark.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said the state was willing to do so following high ratings for the GHL Geopark’s certification from the Energy and Natural Resources Ministry’s National Geoparks Committee.
“I am pleased to inform you that we received high marks of 90 out of 100 from the ministry’s national geoparks committee,” Amirudin said at a meeting with residents’ associations (RAs) and non-governmental organisations in Taman Melawati this afternoon.
“From this point forward, we must determine how we can control and preserve the geopark.
“If we want to protect the hills and the greenery, we may have to work out according to our financial capabilities (how) to take over the private lands,” he said.
The PKR vice-president, who is contesting the Gombak federal constituency against incumbent and party defector Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, said the state government will analyse the valuation of private land in the area and look into the possibility of buying over the lands according to the state’s financial strength.
He was responding to a question posed by Taman Melawati RA chairman Azhari Abd Taharim on the state administration and local councils’ plans going forward for Bukit Tabur after it received National Geopark status on Monday.
Amirudin explained that the advantage of a Geopark certification was the possibility of developing some areas in a sustainable manner, “but with meticulous steps in accordance with strict guidelines.”
“I am aware of the complaints over the years from the residents in Taman Melawati when they saw some vehicles and machinery going up and down the hills.
“But it all involved private lands that have been theirs (the owners’) for ages.”
Amirudin also said the state administration would have to study the numerous jurisdictions of the various state agencies before it can initiate any takeover of private lands.
“The power that we have is quite substantial but we have to see the process (of takeover). By taking over, it will definitely help us to be in control of the development of the areas.
“If the lands are state-owned, we can stop any development and also not issue any planning approval. The landowners also can’t simply build hotels or even factories without approval.
“So I think it is better for the Selangor government to take over the lands, or perhaps (carry out) land swaps, so that the landowners can shift their assets somewhere else,” he added.
GHL’s Geopark status was initiated in line with the National Development Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals 2030 under the United Nations. The park is 112,955ha in size and runs from Batu Arang to Semenyih. It is considered a geological wonder for having the longest quartz formation in Southeast Asia and a number of inland basins.
The GHL Geopark was recognised together with the Stong Geopark on Monday. Malaysia’s other geoparks are the Kinta Valley and Lenggong Geopark in Perak; Jerai Geopark in Kedah; Kinabalu Geopark in Sabah; Labuan Geopark in Labuan; and Sarawak Delta Geopark in Sarawak. – The Vibes, November 17, 2022
