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@ Forest | May-June , 2022

BY FATIHAH MANAF

Sahabat Alam Malaysia ( SAM ) is one of the NGOs that has been striving hard for the betterment of Malaysia ’ s forests and biodiversity . Up to this day , the organisation has been involved in various projects and campaigns to address environmental issues happening in the country .

In 2019 , a suspicious land clearing activity was reported in the Kledang Hill area , which turned out to be an illegal encroachment . The reported site also included some portions of land owned by Perak Menteri Besar Incorporated ( MB Inc ). Upon learning about the illegal land clearing activity in the area , the State had instructed the illegal settlers to stop their activity and restore the affected areas to avoid soil erosion .

When asked about the update on the issue , SAM field officer Meor Razak said : “ MB Inc still owns the land . The landclearing activity had long stopped , and I was informed they had already proceeded with restoration works . Looking at it from a distance , I can see the site has returned to green .

“ In the meantime , SAM has also collaborated with MB Inc for a replanting programme . However , we carried out the programme elsewhere for safety reasons .”

Calls for State to regazette some areas

Meor then shared with @ Forest another two environmental issues , which also happened at the Kledang Saiong range .

“ Another issue involved land in Chemor owned by Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Perak ( PKNP ). It happened shortly after the MB Inc land issue . The area was initially part of the forest reserve but was degazetted . It was said that they wanted to do a hi-tech industrial project there .

“ With the help from the community in the area , we formed an action committee and met the CEO of PKNP for a discussion . We informed them that the place was not suitable for the hi-tech industrial project as it was located on the hillside .

“ Since PKNP had no plan for the land , it would be more suitable for the area to be returned to the State government . We asked the State government to regazette it back as part of forest reserves .

“ We met with the Perak Menteri Besar in 2021 to discuss the issue . However , there ’ s no action yet from them ,” said Meor , adding that the proposal to regazette the area was in 2020 .

Residents of Meru Valley Resort purchased the properties in the area to enjoy the scenery it offers .

Meor Razak

BEING A strategic place for economic activities , Penang has attracted the interest of many developers to develop its area . However , some developments can be risky and may pose threats that harm people and the environment . The residents of Sungai Ara , Penang , had long been in a battle with Sunway City ( Penang ) Sdn Bhd regarding developing the Sunway Hills project near the area . The residents objected to the development , saying that the proposed site for the project was unsuitable for the development as it comprises sensitive hill lands with slopes exceeding the gradient of 25 degrees .

However , the Penang High Court ’ s and the Court of Appeal ’ s decisions favour Sunway City as the developer argued that the proposed development was a “ special project ”.

Determined to proceed with the objection , the residents had challenged the Court of Appeal ’ s decision and recently brought the matter to the Federal Court .

Civil society groups show support

The residents ’ bold determination was supported by civil society groups — the Consumers ’ Association of Penang ( CAP ), the Penang Forum , Sahabat Alam Malaysia , Penang Hills Watch and Tanjong Bungah Residents ’ Association .

Mohideen Abdul Kader , the President of CAP , during a press conference , stated that although there were limited justifiable exceptions allowed as ‘ special projects ’, no specific definitions were given .

He was quoted by The Vibes , saying : “ This is why we have this problem . That is why the residents have to go until the Federal Court to get a decision .”

“ We , as concerned groups , express our solidarity and support for the Sungai Ara residents in their appeal , as this case has serious implications not only for the immediate residents living in the vicinity of the project but also for all citizens of Penang and Malaysia who will be affected by development projects

Protecting the habitat of Siamang

Another issue that Meor highlighted involved the area near Meru Valley Resort , Ipoh .

“ The State government had degazetted the area next to Meru Valley Resort . The land wanted to be developed for a mixed development project , but we felt it was unsuitable as it was hilly . The residents of Meru Valley Resort also did not agree that the area be developed . They initially purchased properties in the area to enjoy the scenery it offers .

“ Moreover , the place is actually a habitat for Siamangs , a totally protected species . In Perak , there are only two areas where people can find Siamangs . You can only find them here or in Parit forest reserves ,” he shared .

“ So for all these three areas I mentioned , they had put their activities on hold . However , our hope for some of the places to be gazetted has yet to be realised .” — @ Forest

( From left ) Penang Forum spokesman Khoo Salma Nasution , CAP President Mohideen Abdul Kader and Tg Bungah Residents ’ Association President Zulfikar Aziz . in environmentally sensitive areas , especially on hill lands and highlands ,” stated the five groups in a joint statement .

“ Since the decision of the Federal Court will also deal with planning law in the country on the issue of Structure Plans and Local Plans , the implications of this case will be significant for all citizens on how planning permission for projects is granted , particularly on environmentally sensitive areas such as hill lands .”