NGOs Urge Transparency Over Ecologically Sensitive Areas In Hulu Kelang

PETALING JAYA, Oct 15 (Bernama) -- Several environmental non-government organisations (NGOs) have urged details on changes in ownership or land use within ecologically sensitive areas to be disclosed transparently and supported by clear legal justification.

They urged relevant authorities to disclose details regarding the sale and rezoning of land previously owned by the Malaysian Zoological Society (MZS), the organisation that manages Zoo Negara.

Lead coordinator of the AJ Rimba Collective, Noina Baharuddin has alleged that land parcels in Hulu Kelang, Selangor, were sold or had their ownership transferred over the past few years and were later reclassified from “Private Sports and Recreational Facilities” to “Commercial” use under the newly gazetted Ampang Jaya Local Plan 2035 (RT MPAJ 2035).

“These lands were entrusted for public benefit and conservation, not commercial gain. Any change of ownership or land use in such an ecologically sensitive area must be transparent and legally justified,” she said at a joint press conference held here today.

The group of NGOs comprising AJ Rimba Collective, Environmental Protection Society Malaysia, Sahabat Alam Malaysia, Friends of Bukit Kiara, and others is demanding full disclosure regarding the alleged land transactions.

Noina said the NGOs were concerned that development in the area could heighten environmental and safety risks, including landslides and flash floods, as the site is adjacent to rivers, hilly terrain and parts of the Ulu Gombak Forest Reserve.

She said the coalition is demanding three key actions: full disclosure on the rationale behind the land sale, an explanation on the land-use conversion, and immediate steps taken by the authorities to protect the remaining Zoo Negara land by gazetting it as “Open Space.”

She claimed Malaysia’s international conservation commitments, including its panda conservation agreement with China, could be jeopardised if the land’s zoning inconsistencies remain unresolved.

Meanwhile, environmental legal adviser of Sahabat Alam Malaysia, A.Thevanai said under Section 12A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1976 (ACT 172), the local authority must publicise the preparation of a draft local plan, and once prepared, Section 13 requires it to be displayed for public feedback and objections.

Zoo Negara, established in 1963, sits on over 100 acres (40.47 hectares) of land along the Middle Ring Road 2 (MRR2) and is recognised as Malaysia’s national zoological park.

-- BERNAMA