Almost 10ha of hills near Ipoh cleared for unknown project

A picture of the cleared hills in Kledan Saiong taken by a drone.

IPOH: About 9.95ha of hills at Kledang Saiong here have been found to be cleared for an unknown project.

Concerned members of the public have raised questions with the state forestry department and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) about the condition of the hills.

Sahabat Alam Sekitar (SAM) field officer Meor Razak Meor Abdul Rahman said he was among those who noticed the condition of the hills a few weeks ago.

“My concern is, why didn’t the developer put up signage on the project?

“And if the project is to build a residential area, does it meet the requirements?” Meor Razak asked when met at the site on Wednesday (Feb 6).

He was also concerned about the status of the land and worried that the land-clearing activities could cause landslides or rockfalls as the hill is located near residential areas along the Ipoh-Lumut highway.

“We want to know what kind of project is planned here and whether is it for the public or does it benefit certain parties?” he said, adding that the hills are about 250m high.

The Kledang Saiong area is known for its Forest Eco Park and is popular among hikers.

Perak Forestry Department director Datuk Mohamed Zin Yusop said the department has received several public enquiries on the land.

“Based on our data, the land is under the Menteri Besar Incorporated (MBInc) and has been degazetted as part of the forest reserve,” said Mohamed Zin when contacted.

The Star is trying to contact MBInc for more information.