THE controversy surrounding land adjacent to Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve in Puchong has intensified, with local community leaders accusing the Selangor government of selective engagement.
Despite Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari’s assurance that all community concerns have been addressed, Bantahan Pembangunan Ayer Hitam Protem Committee 2.0 claims groups most vocal in their opposition have been sidelined.
Its chairman Awies Ung was surprised with the state’s choice of representatives for an April 22 briefing session.
Ung, who is also Pusat Bandar Puchong Residents Association deputy chairman, said his association and the protem committee were not invited to the session with the Selangor exco or the Mentri Besar.
“We were not informed of the meeting.
“Instead, representatives who have never opposed the project and have no knowledge of the development were invited.”
Ung added that Pusat Bandar Puchong residents have been opposing the project since 2006.
He said they were informed that the land was in the process of being regazetted as a forest reserve in 2009, following the change in state government.
During the Selangor Labour Day celebration on May 4 at Bangunan Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah in Shah Alam, Amirudin said he had met with official representatives, including residents’ associations, mosque committees among other groups.
He questioned the need for further engagement sessions, stating that he had explained the matter clearly and all claims had been answered.
“I have already met the official representatives, so I don’t think there is any issue.”
He also said the disputed area was not part of Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve and described claims to the contrary as inaccurate.
Amirudin detailed the land’s background including its degazettement in 1926, its sale in 2012 and subsequent court proceedings and rulings in 2017.
The central issue for residents involved entry routes, including access passing through land adjacent to the forest reserve, he said, adding that the Selangor Forestry Department was preparing a paper on this access.
“We are awaiting the paper because what residents raised was about access routes and passing through the land.
“If it is only about access, I am not worried. I will manage it later with the relevant parties,” he added.
This follows an April 24 statement where Amirudin said the matter of the hiking route would be brought to the state executive council to be discussed.
He had previously said the land was unsuitable for commercial or residential development due to its Class 3 and Class 4 slope conditions.
