PETALING JAYA: Environmental organisations have slammed plans for development in Templer Park and want the projects halted.
Environmental Protection Society Malaysia president Nithi Nesadurai expressed his concern over logging in what was initially gazetted as a forest reserve.
“Templer Park has for decades served as a green space and recreational area for the public. With the rapid development in Greater Klang Valley, it is essential that these green spaces are left as they are,” he said.
EcoKnights president Yasmin Rasyid said she was surprised that approvals for development in the area could be given and hoped the development would be halted.
Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) communications head Andrew Sebastian said: “We should not sacrifice crucial areas of our forests for commercial reasons.”
Templer Villa Residence Association chairman Thay Peng Kee said residents were peeved by silt and mudslides caused by land clearing activities that were clogging up roads.
On the same issue, authorities are claiming the projects are being closely monitored to ensure minimal damage.
Selangor Forestry Department director Yusoff Muda said the Rawang Bypass development project was being done in the Kanching Forest Reserve.
He said the bypass was a Federal Government project under the Public Works Department to alleviate traffic congestions in Rawang, but added that it was carefully planned to have little impact on the reserve.
Yusoff added that JKR would launch an effort to replant and “green” the area again after the project was completed.
On claims that rare Hopea subalata trees would be affected by logging, state executive councillor for tourism, consumer affairs and environment Elizabeth Wong said all trees felled had been identified and catalogued.
“No tree of that species has been cut down,” she said.
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