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KUALA LUMPUR – The Selangor Agriculture Development Corporation (PKPS) is denying allegations that it destroyed parts of the Sg Panjang Forest Reserve, as claimed by a coalition of environmental NGOs.
It added that the claims made by the Coalition for the Protection of Selangor’s Forests, which were published by the media, were done in bad faith and aimed at ruining PKPS’ reputation.
The Selangor Smart Agro Park (SSAP), said PKPS, is owned by the corporation and classified as agricultural land, not a forest reserve, as claimed by the coalition of NGOs.
“Additionally, the Department of Environment (DoE) allowed PKPS to conduct works on the land, such as building drainage, water catchment ponds, land stabilisation and soil erosion controls, given the area is facing floods and has experienced encroachment by irresponsible parties,” PKPS said in a statement.
Further on August 28, PKPS said it received a complaint concerning satellite images showing encroachment by outside parties in SSAP and the areas surrounding the Sg Panjang Forest Reserve.
Due to this, PKPS has implemented preventative steps by mandating strict supervision on the 971ha land it owns.
“PKPS has also taken other special measures to ensure encroachment does not happen, given PKPS is observing a stop-work order issued by the DoE on April 8,” PKPS added.
Stating that the coalition, along with Global Environmental Centre (GEC) chairman Faizal Parish, should have first filed a report over the matter and obtained explanations from PKPS before making any allegations.
PKPS said it will file a defamation suit against those involved.
Yesterday, the Coalition for the Protection of Selangor’s Forests accused PKPS of making two attempts to clear portions of the Sg Panjang Forest for agricultural development.
It said the area involved is part of the jungle slated to replace the areas degazetted at the Kuala Langat North Forest Reserve (KLNFR).
On August 30, state executive councillor Hee Loy Sian had told the Selangor assembly that more than 50% of the KLNFR had already been degazetted since May.
However, in view of objections to the proposal, only 536ha of the 991ha forest were degazetted, he had said.
Hee, who heads the state’s tourism, environment and green technology portfolio, added that the affected areas will be compensated by the gazettement of land in three other areas – Sg Panjang, Broga and Ampang Pecah. – The Vibes, September 6, 2021