PETALING JAYA, Nov 18 — After providing a one-year eviction notice, the Selangor Forestry Department (JPNS) has taken firm action against intruders in the Sungai Buloh Forest Reserve.
During Ops Selamat Phase 3, conducted on Wednesday (November 12), various built structures were demolished across an area of 47 hectares, believed to have encroached on the forest for more than 15 years.
JPNS Deputy Director (Forest Operations) Mohd Nor Firdaus Rahim said the operation involved various agencies, including the police, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), and the Land and Mines Office (PTG), with a combined strength of about 200 personnel.
“We covered all zones involving 47 hectares, the size of the forest reserve that has long been explored, approximately 15 to 20 years.
“Today, we carried out enforcement activities to destroy illegal infrastructure, namely unauthorised settlements involving business premises, nurseries, workers’ quarters, and so on,” he told Media Selangor.
In the 6am operation, JPNS also demolished premises belonging to a construction company frequently involved in various high-impact development projects.
Its premises included a storage depot for heavy machinery, workers’ dormitories, fish ponds, livestock, and a gymnasium, occupying 4.4 hectares of the forest reserve.
Firdaus added that enforcement personnel initially faced provocation from the premises’ owners, who refused to cooperate and leave the area.
“If we look at it, the company occupied 4.4 hectares and had built on the forest land more than 15 years ago. There were also workers’ quarters, heavy machinery, and so forth.
“In the beginning, there was indeed provocation from them, but with police presence, the situation became more controlled, and they eventually cooperated,” he said.
Firdaus also reminded all landowners to follow the legal channels set by the authorities and not to encroach upon forested areas gazetted by the government.
“If someone wants to use a piece of land, especially for business purposes, please refer to the District and Land Office regarding the status of the land and apply according to the prescribed procedures,” he said.
Below is a chronology of JPNS’s efforts to clear the Sungai Buloh Forest Reserve:
December 1, 2024: Initial negotiations with stakeholders, including the Selangor Special Committee on Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Taoism (Limas)
December 2, 2024: First eviction notice issued.
January 28 and June 20, 2025: Residents reject Smart Sewa housing offer.
April 22, 2025: Survey of structures and livestock conducted.
July 16, 2025: Nursery operators discuss relocation.
August 1, 2025: Final reminder notice issued
