The ‘mega-cemetery’ proposed at the Ayer Hitam forest reserve in Puchong will be scrapped, said Selangor executive council member Ronnie Liu.

“Firstly, it is a forest reserve. Secondly, the proposed location has many ravines. It is not suitable for a cemetery,” said Liu, the state local government, research and studies committee head.

Liu was commenting on concerns raised by Taman Saujana Puchong residents yesterday, who are waiting for the state government to state whether it is going ahead with the plan.

NONE Contacted yesterday, Liu said no public announcement has been made thus far because the matter needs to be formalised at the state planning department meeting next month. Moreover, an alternative to site has yet to be confirmed.

Initiated during the previous Barisan Nasional administration, the proposed cemetery spans 22ha and includes a crematorium, according to the Subang Jaya Local Draft Plan.

Residents from the surrounding area have formed a committee to oppose the proposal on grounds that the cemetery will encroach into a forest reserve, one of the few remaining green lungs in the area.

They are also worried about a potential drop in property prices and air pollution from the crematorium.

elizabeth wong 170209 Selangor tourism, consumer and environment committee chairman Elizabeth Wong said the state remains firm in its decision to protect its forests.

"I was among the people who helped the residents initiate the campaign against the proposed encroachment into the forest reserve. Our position has not changed," she added.

In a statement later this evening, Wong thanked residents of Puchong and the Signature Campaign Teamwork (SCT) committee in their efforts to promote forest conservation.

"I wish to thank members of the committee for their vigilance and feedback and I look forward to their continued support in conserving more areas as forest reserves in the state," she said.