PHOTO ESSAY | Yesterday, we celebrated the International Day of Forests. However, we are also aware that forests are becoming extinct due to development.

Apart from greater permanent forest reserve complexes such as national parks, we also have small permanent forest reserves flanked by civilisation and modernisation. 

These are the forests we visit for recreation, to breathe fresh air, to gain knowledge in addition to relieving stress from the hustle and bustle of the city.

In Selangor, unlike Bukit Gasing or Bukit Kiara, the Shah Alam Community Forest (SACF) located in Section U10 is connected to the Bukit Cerakah Forest Reserve that was officially gazetted by the British in 1909.

The 1,114 acres of forest became a famous recreational spot for residents in Klang and Shah Alam as this area is the only hill near the coast of Selangor.

Now, the SACF is facing the issue of being placed as commercial development land and a cemetery and opposed by many environmental groups.

A family rowing a boat cruising on the ‘mirror lake’ near the Alam Budiman housing area.

Hikers resting as they pose for pictures next to one of the largest trees in the forest.

A handsome fungus beetle (eumorphus marginatus) on top of a giant mushroom.

A misty morning at SACF. The forest also gives a breath of fresh air to the nearby residents every morning.

Part of SACF being developed. The forest is trapped by vast housing development between Setia Alam, Puncak Perdana and Alam Budiman.

Dead trees falling into a lake bringing a different perspective to the SACF landscape.

Local visitors paddleboarding at the mirror lake.

Hikers passing by a small stream. Forests act as a water catchment area, reducing the effects of floods, preventing soil erosion, regulating the water table and assuring high-quality water supply for the people.

Dusky langur, or spectacled leaf monkey, spotted on a tree in SACF. The forest is home to 100 species of birds and mammals, including eight species of gibbons, such as the white-handed gibbon, tapir and other primates.

Roadkill - a long-tailed macaque in Setia Alam killed by a vehicle as the primate tried to cross the road to find food, due to the loss of habitat.

Activist says quarry will destroy Gunung Baling, MB asks why make noise now

Activist says quarry will destroy Gunung Baling, MB asks why make noise now

Malaysian Forestry Policy to serve as reference for policies adopted by states

Malaysian Forestry Policy to serve as reference for policies adopted by states

Malaysian Forestry Policy unites all states in forestry conservation efforts - PM

Malaysian Forestry Policy unites all states in forestry conservation efforts - PM

COMMENT | Comprehensive forest policy needed

COMMENT | Comprehensive forest policy needed