NST Monday, April 16 2007
Letter to the editor from Z.M.J, Kota Damansara

I AM writing in my capacity as a citizen and as a home owner in Section 8,Kota Damansara, the areas most affected by the proposed burial ground in the Sungai Buloh Forest Reserve (which is in the western side of the North Klang Valley Expressway).

My family bought the property in 2000. It was part of the development undertaken by Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) as landowner. Promotional literature touted the development as being situated within a green lung areas and next to the forest reserve.

That was the main selling point for the development and was the principal reason why we made our purchase. In 2002, we heard rumours of the proposed development affecting the forest reserve on the western side of the NKVE.

An informal group, “Friends of Kota Damansara”, comprising residents’ associations, was formed to determine the true position of the development and to lobby the authorities on the matter.

We appointed Datuk Dr Salleh Mohd Nor, then the president of the Malaysian Nature Society, as our adviser. Salleh made approaches to the authorities, including the Prime Minister. As a result of his intervention, Salleh, through the office of the Menteri Besar of Selangor, was able to meet the then director of the Selangor Land and Mines Department, Datuk Zoal Azha Yusof (who is now director-general of the National Land and Mines Department).

An assurance was made to Salleh that:

* The Selangor government had no plans to develop the forest reserve located on the western side of the NKVE next to section 9,10 and 11 of Kota Damansara;

* Any proposed development would be limited to the 58.8ha located on the Eastern side of the NKVE, where a proposed burial ground was to be located as shown in the master plan annexed to our sale-and-purchase agreement

The matter rested there until about three weeks ago when, suddenly, the forest area nearest to section 8 (on the western side where we were assured earlier there would be no projects) was cordoned off. We then learned that a 20ha burial ground was to be situated there.

Events have unfolded rapidly over the last three weeks. Trees have been felled and the land cleared. We have seen reported in the papers that the proposed development of the privatisation exercise by the Petaling Jaya City Council, affecting the entire forest reserve,

Notwithstanding all the objections, the authorities intend to push on with the development. It is also contrary to the national policy outlined by the prime minister that green lung areas would be preserved.

Such areas, besides having great ecological significance, have tourism potential.

In fact, this forest had received United Nation Development Programme (UNDP) funds worth RM370,000 for research. This goes to show that even a united national body recognises the significance of this forest reserve.

Therefore, I am writing to seek the support of the public and the intervention of the Sultan of Selangor to preserve this area. It is ironic that while the world is pressing for a stop to deforestation, what is happening in our own backyard is being ignored.

 

Many are not aware that out of the 600-odd species of birds that can found in Malaysia, 200 or more live in the Sungai Buloh forest. Some of them are in danger of extinction and many more protected animals will be affected. I urge Malaysians to save our forest.

This is not about not wanting a burial ground near my house. This is about saving our children. Please leave the forest alone.

 

From the Press, Kota Damansara Community Forest