THE future of the Shah Alam Community Forest (SACF) hangs in the balance as the Federal Court is set to rule on a legal challenge over its status as a forest reserve.
The decision will impact a controversial road project through the SACF, which has garnered much opposition.
Selangor public health and environment committee chairman Jamaliah Jamaluddin said the state government had yet to take an official stance, with the matter set for discussion as the legal decision looms.
Jamaliah said she could not comment further as the issue had not yet reached the state executive council (MMKN).
“The next MMKN meeting will be held today (March 30) and any decision or official statement on the issue will be announced after the meeting,” she told reporters at the launch of PJ SEED 8.0 – a community sustainability grant programme by Petaling Jaya City Council.
The apex court has set Wednesday to give its decision on the legality of the May 5, 2022 degazettement notice of the excision of land from the Bukit Cherakah Forest Reserve, which includes SACF.
A judicial review was filed on Aug 4, 2022, by SACF Society and Peka Malaysia.
The Shah Alam High Court dismissed the application on Nov 17, 2022, and they subsequently filed an appeal.
The matter was heard at the Federal Court in July 2025, with a decision expected on April 1.
Shah Alam residents and environmental groups protested against the Selangor government’s degazettement notice, backdated to November 2000, which prevented public objection.
Despite the looming litigation, StarMetro reported on March 3 that earthworks for the proposed 1km road within SACF were about 70% complete.
The project aimed to link Jalan Pulau Angsa U10/39 to Persiaran Setia Duta in Setia Ecopark, cutting through a green space popular with hikers and nature groups.
Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) had defended the construction of the road, arguing that the land status remained legally valid despite the pending appeal.
MBSA deputy secretary (Development) Aniza Othman had said then that the project’s planning permission was approved in May 2020, following an initial state government decision in September 2018.
The city council maintained that the road was essential to ease congestion on Persiaran Mokhtar Dahari and provide an alternative route from Meru.
To mitigate environmental impact, MBSA said it had added a box culvert for wildlife and ensured existing hiking routes remain connected.
However, the SACF Society and local residents remain opposed, citing the ongoing court battle and the threat to the local ecosystem as reasons.
Jamaliah was also asked about measures in place to deal with the heatwave currently experienced in several states.
She said Selangor had guidelines in place, including for schools.
In some cases, she said schools could decide whether to remain open or close, depending on the situation.
Jamaliah added that from the state’s perspective, authorities were also assessing healthcare readiness in the event of prolonged heat conditions.
“We are looking at whether hospitals are prepared if such situations arise, but for now, the feedback we have received is that everything remains under control,” she said.
She also advised the public to take precautionary measures, especially those in high-risk groups.
At this stage, she said the focus was on prevention, including avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun, staying hydrated and ensuring individuals remained in safe environments.
The Star reported on March 27 that schools nationwide may be allowed to temporarily close if temperatures exceed 37°C for three consecutive days under existing Education Ministry guidelines.
The report also said outdoor activities must be suspended if temperatures range between 35°C and 37°C for three consecutive days, as part of measures to safeguard students’ health during prolonged hot weather.
