Green lung Apek Hill should be better protected

Hikers are distraught that forests in parts of Apek HIll, one of KL's most loved trekking areas, have been cut down. Photos: Adrian Yeong

Almost every weekend, for the past six years, my family and I have savoured our retreats to green hills with pristine streams. There are few hills near Kuala Lumpur we can bring our kids to, and one of them is Apek (or Ah Pek) Hill.

Located in forests between Ampang, Cheras and Hulu Langat, “Ah Pek” is actually a Hokkien word meaning “uncle” and it aptly describes the many white-haired senior citizens who come here regularly for their exercise.