PROTECTING the green lungs of Sungai Buloh is a cause close to the heart of Barisan Nasional’s Sungai Buloh candidate, Khairy Jamaluddin, who is also interested in preserving Sungai Buloh’s identity as Klang Valley’s horticultural hub.
“During my hike in Taman Eko Rimba last weekend, residents expressed concern that the Selangor government will give that space up for development.
“I also received comments and suggestions from them (on how Taman Eko Rimba should be protected),” said Khairy, vowing that he will be the MP that protects the green lungs of Sungai Buloh.
Khairy also met two groups of nursery operators from Bukit Rahman Putra and Jalan Sungai Buloh, who highlighted their plights to him during a meeting at a restaurant in Kampung Matang Pagar Thursday (Nov 10).
“One group (in Bukit Rahman Putra) is stuck in a chicken-and-egg situation where they are unable to renew the temporary occupation licence (TOL) for their land,” he said.
“The Land Office is unable to renew their TOL status because their nurseries are located under TNB transmission lines, and TNB has not issued permission letters allowing them to stay there.”
The other group (along Jalan Sungai Buloh) was asked to relocate to Bukit Changgang in Kuala Langat.
Jalan Sungai Buloh is also known as Selangor Green Lane and is occupied by a network of growers, suppliers and specialists in the gardening and landscaping businesses.
“This group was asked by the Selangor government to move to Bukit Changgang, but the site is a low-lying land and is located an hour away (from Sungai Buloh),” said Khairy.
“They are reluctant to relocate for these reasons, and because they have been operating there for over 20 years.
“I was told that the reason for the relocation was for road widening, but the operators are willing to move slightly further back to allow for the widening works.”
Khairy stressed that he could not promise anything, but will talk to Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Amirudin Shari and the state government about the issues.
“If voted as Sungai Buloh MP, I am aware that I will be working with state assemblymen and local leaders from Pakatan Harapan,” said the Umno politician.
“But we must reach across party lines and work together as the people of Sungai Buloh deserve to have a green constituency.”
Khairy added that he will be launching his manifesto for Sungai Buloh tomorrow (Nov 11), which will include a project called Gardens at Sungai Buloh.
“This will be an attraction park created in collaboration with the nursery operators.
“It will be a space for recreation, picnics and leisure,” he said, without identifying where exactly the park would be located.
