PUCHONG, Nov 23 — The land located adjacent to the Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve (Bukit Wawasan) is not part of the forest reserve, whether under the jurisdiction of the Forestry Department or Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM).
This was emphasised by Kinrara state assemblyman Ng Sze Han regarding the implementation of a Social Impact Assessment (SIA) by the landowner of the said plot, which has caused concern among residents of Taman Wawasan, Bandar Puteri, Bandar Kinrara, and Bandar Puchong Jaya.
“The plot mentioned is not included and is not part of the forest reserve, whether managed by the Forestry Department or by Universiti Putra Malaysia under the Sultan Idris Shah Forestry Education Centre (Sisfec), which covers 1,176 hectares,” he said.
Ng added that no development applications have been submitted to the Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ) at this time.
“MBSJ has also not received any application from any party for any form of development on the plot concerned. The ongoing SIA process is a precondition for the landowner to submit a formal application to MBSJ,” he said.
Ng also addressed the Focused Group Discussion (FGD) conducted online last week, stating that it was unsuitable for an official evaluation process.
“I note the FGD session held online last week and have informed MBSJ that it cannot be considered part of the SIA process. A physical FGD session is required so that the question-and-answer session can take place clearly and transparently, involving all affected residents, including hiking groups who use the Bukit Wawasan Forest trail for recreational activities,” he said.
An in-person session is essential to ensure transparency in discussions and stakeholder participation, including users of the Bukit Wawasan recreational trail.
Ng also encouraged active involvement from the local community in voicing their views on the landowner’s proposal.
“During the FGD session, I encouraged residents to express objections, concerns, and proposals to the landowner or consultants. This process will be officially recorded in the SIA report,” he said.
Simultaneously, Ng expressed support for any peaceful protest efforts by residents.
“I take note of the protest session that will be held at Taman Wawasan this week and hope that it proceeds smoothly and in an orderly manner,” he said.
