IPOH: The proposed land-use change from forest to residential and agricultural zones near the Meru Valley Golf Club has received approximately 400 objections, says Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) chairman Dr Michael Jeyakumar Devaraj.
"The proposed land use change, including changing the boundary, is feared to have a direct impact on the environment as well as the displacement of wildlife," he told reporters on Monday (Jan 5) after attending the Local Inquiry and Hearing Committee meeting under the Draft Ipoh City Local Plan 2035 (Amendment) to clarify objections that were previously submitted.
Dr Jeyakumar warned of increased risks of landslides, soil erosion and flooding, particularly in downstream areas such as Lim Garden. He raised concerns about insufficient monitoring of river siltation.
Residents and NGOs, including Sahabat Alam Malaysia, expressed concerns during a Local Inquiry and Hearing Committee meeting about the environmental impact and potential displacement of wildlife. The changes would involve altering the boundary of Planning Block 8 to Minor Planning Block 4.5 at Lot 559526, covering 18.62 hectares (46 acres).
Sahabat Alam Malaysia's field officer, Meor Razak Meor Abdul Rahman, said that the area was previously part of a Permanent Reserved Forest and is home to endangered species, including the Siamang and clouded leopards.
"We are afraid that once their habitat is disturbed, it will go into the community houses and disturb," he added.
Meru Valley resident Tim, 59, and Lim Garden resident A. Jeyaraj, 86, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the ecological value of the forest and the risks associated with its removal.
The objections were previously filed during the public participation period from Oct 1 to Oct 31, 2025. The City Council and local government representatives are expected to consider these concerns before making a final decision.
The Star has reached out to the City Council and Ng for comments.
