By Nasuha Badrul Huzaini
SHAH ALAM, Sept 6 — Selangor Agriculture Development Corporation (PKPS) has strongly denied the allegation of encroachment at the Sungai Panjang permanent forest reserve made by The Coalition for the Protection of Selangor’s Forests (CPSF) and the Global Environment Centre (GEC) director Faizal Parish.
Referring to the report on The Vibes and Malaysiakini news portal quoting (CPSF), as well as the allegation made by Faizal during the Consider This talk show broadcast via Astro Awani on September 2, PKPS described their action as irresponsible and mala fide as well in linking PKPS with their agendas.
“The report claimed that PKPS had encroached and opened part of the Sungai Panjang permanent forest reserve in Sabak Bernam which was allegedly said to be a replacement forest following the degazettement of Kuala Langat North Forest Reserve (KLNFR).
“We would like to assert that PKPS has no direct involvement in the KLNFR degazettement issue. We also vehemently deny the allegation and describe them as malicious and subversive statements to destroy the image of PKPS.
“Indirectly, the statements also meant to sabotage the state government’s initiatives that have been planned for the benefit of the Selangor people. This was done by relating the degazettement of KLNFR with the privately-owned land of PKPS which will be developed as the site for the Selangor State Food Security Initiative,” said PKPS in a statement, today.
PKPS added that the integrated agriculture development project site known as the Selangor Smart Agro Park (SSAP), which is linked to the accusation, is a land owned by the corporation with an agricultural status, not a permanent forest reserve.
“This is verified by the Selangor State Forestry Department on a letter dated April 16, 2021, as well as by the Sabak Bernam District Council Local Plan.
“The said parties should seek clarification from PKPS or the state government before making baseless accusations.
“Therefore, to ensure that the spread of false news like this does not recur, PKPS will take legal action including defamation suits against the parties involved for trying to tarnish PKPS and the government’s reputation and by making untrue and baseless allegations,” the statement read.
