The Malaysian Insight

SELANGOR, as the most developed state in Malaysia, must take the lead and set an example of what it takes to be a green state, said Kota Anggerik assemblyman Najwan Halimi.

“Selangor is currently talking about being a digitalised state with ‘Smart Selangor’ and the ‘Selangor digitalisation agenda’. We can also go forward as a model green state with sustainable policies.

“While we develop the state, we should also at the same time, maintain the greenery and forests of Selangor,” Najwan Halimi told The Malaysian Insight.

The PKR man created a stir by being among the first assemblymen to sign a petition letter by the Defend the North Kuala Langat forest reserve coalition on October 29 to oppose its degazetting.

He also tabled the motion in the recent Selangor assembly meeting that any move to degazette forest reserves should only be done in consultation with residents, stakeholders and professionals.

Both Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional assemblymen unanimously voted to preserve forest reserves in Selangor.

Selangor earlier revealed plans to cut down and develop 931ha of the peat swamp forest which borders Cyberjaya, Putrajaya, Putra Heights and the Kuala Lumpur International Airport to make way for “mixed development”.

It has met with objections from rights groups and the Orang Asli who count much of the reserve as their home.

“For now, I see the state government has not yet given a decision on this issue. We expect closure. I hope the state government can state its position on this.

“What’s important is that the state government tightens and improves policies related to environmental protection and conservation, especially involving forest reserves and Orang Asli areas so that this issue no longer comes up again.”

Najwan said when he tabled the motion, it represented the people’s voice in his constituency. And the unanimous vote from all assemblymen symbolised the voices of the whole of Selangor.

“Although Kuala Langat is not in my constituency, there are also forests in my areas. I often engage with environmentalists and they say this is a crucial issue. So, I said okay, I will take the lead.”

He urged other assemblymen to also play their role.

“The environment issue should be fought by everyone, not just the NGOs. Signing a petition is easy, but how am I playing a role as a legislator?”

He said in March 2019 the sultan of Selangor instructed the state government not to invade the forest reserve to preserve the water-catchment areas.

“Protecting the forest will also solve other Selangor issues, such as protecting our water source.

“If we take care of nature, nature will take care of us. If we disturb the forest, we might have a problem with the water supply.” – December 24, 2020.