IPOH: The forest land near Meru Valley Golf Club will remain unchanged and will not be converted for residential or agricultural use, says Perak's housing and local government committee chair, Sandrea Ng.
She announced that the Local Inquiry and Hearing Committee (JSTP) has unanimously decided against the proposed conversion.
Despite the land's previous degazettement from a Permanent Forest Reserve, its ecological and environmental significance remains high. "The committee resolved to uphold the precautionary principle, opting not to support conversion at this time," said Ng, who chairs the committee on Tuesday (Jan 6).
ALSO READ: Environmental concerns spark opposition to land-use change near Meru Valley Golf Club
Previously, residents and NGOs, including Sahabat Alam Malaysia and Sahabat Ekologi Perak, raised concerns about environmental impacts and potential wildlife displacement. The proposed changes would affect 18.62 hectares.
Objections were submitted during the public participation period from Oct 1 to Oct 31, 2025. Ng noted that discussions about environmental studies and mitigation measures are premature at this stage, as no development approval is currently under consideration.
The committee's recommendation would be forwarded to the State Planning Committee and the state executive council for further evaluation. Upon completion of these processes, the amended Ipoh Local Plan 2035 will be officially gazetted.
Ng emphasised that public concerns have been carefully considered to ensure transparency in the planning process. She clarified that the committee's role is solely to assess the draft local plan and decide on land-use zoning changes, while specific development proposals and Environmental Impact Assessments will be handled through subsequent statutory processes if a zoning change is approved.
