Kuala Selangor Nature Park to be turned into tourism attraction

An aerial view of the Kuala Selangor Nature Park mangrove forest. In the background is the Straits of Malacca. – Filepic

THE proposal to develop the Kuala Selangor Nature Park into an international tourism destination has received the green light from the Selangor government.

State tourism, environment, green technology and Orang Asli affairs committee chairman Hee Loy Sian said the decision was made by the state executive council.

He said the proposed development of the park encompassed a 84.13ha area.

“For now, the Kuala Selangor Nature Park is still in the process of being gazetted as a permanent reserve, which is in the planning stage by the state Survey and Mapping Department.

“The Kuala Selangor Nature Park development area covers 28% of the total area of 292.81ha,” he said in reply to Datuk Dr Ahmad Yunus Hairi (PN-Sijangkang).

Dr Ahmad had asked if the state government planned to develop areas within Kuala Selangor Forest Reserve and Kuala Selangor Nature Park and if the development would affect the state’s forest reserves as well as the area’s ecology.

Hee said: “The forest reserve will not be affected and the proposal focuses only on the existing development area.”

Dr Ahmad also asked if the land for development was on lease and its duration.

“The permit is for land use only, and we will not allow the forest reserve to be degazetted,” said Hee.

“This is a private investment which will involve about RM100mil to build 300 chalets for four-star accommodation.

“We suggested a 30-year lease for this project based on a concept of revenue sharing.

“Meaning, regardless if there is profit or loss, the state will still receive 5% of the total sales based on this arrangement,” he added.

Elizabeth Wong (PH-Bukit Lanjan) asked if there would be conditions for the developer considering that the area was environmentally sensitive and an important bird area.

Hee said the designation of protected zones should be taken into account as well as the Agricultural Impact Assessment to ensure the mangrove ecosystem was preserved.

“This will include the buffer zones to prevent and minimise tree damage during development.

“We will also establish a condition for developers to design a method for managing the protection of coastal trees at the planning and design stage, as well as during pre- and post-construction,” he added.