EARTHWORKS for a proposed 1km road located within the Shah Alam Community Forest (SACF) are about 70% complete.
The project will link Jalan Pulau Angsa U10/39 to Persiaran Setia Duta in Setia Ecopark by cutting through a popular green space in Setia Alam used by hikers and nature groups.
The development sits on land that was part of Bukit Cherakah Forest Reserve until it was degazetted in 2022, a move environmental groups claimed was backdated to 2000 through a gazette notification.
While the High Court and Court of Appeal dismissed a judicial review challenging the legality of the degazettement, the matter is now pending before the Federal Court.
A Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) spokesperson, speaking after a full board meeting at Wisma MBSA, said the project was proceeding as the gazette notification on the land remained legally valid.
“The gazette is still valid although there is an appeal,” the spokesperson said.
MBSA deputy secretary (development) Aniza Othman said planning permission was approved on May 20, 2020, while the earthworks plan received the green light on Aug 4, 2022.
She said the road connection was approved by the state government through a Selangor State Executive Council (MMKN) decision on Sept 28, 2018.
“The road would ease congestion along Persiaran Mokhtar Dahari and provide an alternative route from Meru.
“The project also forms part of an integrated road network approved under the U10 Development Master Plan in 2007,” she said.
Aniza said the proposal was considered for some time before its inclusion in the MBSA Draft Local Plan 2035.
During amendments to the local plan, representatives and objecting residents were invited to present their views.
“Based on the feedback received, improvements were made to the design,” she said, noting that a dedicated box culvert was incorporated to serve as a wildlife crossing.
She added that the design would also maintain connectivity for existing hiking routes in the area.
On Feb 11, StarMetro reported that residents and representatives of non-governmental organisation SACF Society objected to the proposed road connection and submitted a memorandum to the Selangor Mentri Besar’s office, citing environmental concerns and the ongoing appeal.
