IPOH: Environmentalist group Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) has raised yet another concern regarding the development project planned at Kledang Saiong Hill.
Its field officer, Meor Razak Meor Abdul Rahman said this was despite promises made by the Perak State Development Corporation (PKNP).
"Back on Feb 9, PKNP chief executive officer Mohd Ariff Yeop Ishak gave assurances to the residents of Taman Chepor Sentosa that there will be no development planned at the Kledang Saiong Hill.
"He said the land was not suitable for any developments and that they would suggest to the state government to revert back to its original state, including replanting activities.
"However, upon checking the area, we found out that the clearing licence has been extended from Feb 1 until April 30," he told The Star on Sunday (March 8).
It was reported on Dec 11 last year that a company under Insan Permata Sdn Bhd was given the approval to conduct clearing of a 160.06ha plantation project at the hill from Nov 1 until Jan 31 this year.
PKNP had said in a statement that approval was granted for the land to be cleared for an orchard and after an Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) dated on Jan 21,2009.
On Jan 5, the residents of Taman Chepor Sentosa held a press conference expressing their concerns over the hill-clearing work.
PKNP has responded to the matter and added that they would replant trees and used the area for research purposes linking to the forestry matters.
Meor said with the ongoing political crisis, he is worried about the status of this project.
"We hope that regardless of the political situation, the newly appointed state government will continue to fulfil their promises and declare the area as a forest reserve," he added.
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