Bukit Lagong land for new quarries still 'forest reserve' status

Around 28 percent of the Bukit Lagong forest reserve in Selangor is set to be quarried without the land being excised from the reserve.

This was confirmed by Selangor state executive councillor in charge of tourism, the environment, green technology, and Orang Asli affairs Hee Loy Sian.

“All approvals for the quarries were issued in the form of minor licences according to Section 28 of the National Forestry Act (Adoption) Enactment 1985.

“The status of the land remains as a forest reserve,” said Hee (above) in a statement today.

He added that the combined size of Selangor’s forest reserves today is 3.5 percent larger than it was in 2008.

The Bukit Lagong forest reserve is located north of Kuala Lumpur. The famous Templar Park is located north of the complex while the Forest Research Institute (Frim) botanical gardens are located to the south.

However, satellite images showed that many quarries are operating to the west.

Hee explained that there were seven existing quarries which were approved by the state government between 1992 and 2000, spanning 215.64 hectares.

Approvals for the new quarries were issued between 2018 and 2019.

“The approvals were issued to sustain the need for building materials in Selangor and the Klang Valley.

“The new quarries will be replacing the old quarries which will cease operations in 2023,” said Hee.

He said the project was aboveboard and has fulfilled all the necessary requirements, including an environmental impact assessment.

Environmental watchdog Rimba Disclosure Project was the first to reveal that the government is allowing more quarries to be developed in Bukit Lagong.

Further investigations by Malaysiakini revealed that several state-linked companies are involved.

Hee’s statement does not address why state government-owned companies are involved in the quarrying project.

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