FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
16 August 2022
We, the undersigned NGOs, call on the Selangor State Government to respect the interim stay order granted by the Shah Alam High Court on Thursday, August 11th 2022.
The order follows our filing of Judicial Review against the Selangor State Government following the degazettement of 406 ha in Shah Alam Section U10.
Following the order, the land will be reverted as part of Bukit Cherakah Forest Reserve. The interim injunction given by the court applies to all parties and all work at this location must immediately cease.
We call on the Director of Selangor State Forestry Department to issue immediate stop-work orders on all activities that threaten the integrity of the forest. This includes the land-clearing activities being carried out by Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Selangor (PKNS) and Restu Mantap Sdn Bhd (including its contractors YCH Construction Sdn Bhd) in Compartment 35 of the forest reserve.
The Selangor Forestry Department must immediately enforce this interim injunction, ensure that exposed slopes are protected from the elements.
Bukit Cherakah was constituted as forest reserve in 1909. The forest here continues to be important for flora & fauna, hiking communities and as a protective buffer against global warming and climate change.
We also call on all banks and financial institutions to stop issuing loans for any businesses causing deforestation. This is important in order to be in line with Bank Negara’s commitments to stop funding unsustainable projects. In particular, we call on all Malaysian banks, including Maybank, CIMB, and Public Bank, to give a commitment not to grant any loans for development projects inside the Bukit Cherakah Forest Reserve.
Even though this is a small victory, we believe the harder part will be getting a permanent injunction and making sure all parties follow the court order. We are working with other environmental CSOs and concerned citizens to unite our voices to save Bukit Cherakah Forest Reserve.
Shah Alam Community Forest Society (SACFS)
Pertubuhan Pelindung Khazanah Alam (PEKA)
Media inquiries may be directed to Suresh 019-569 6964 (SACFS) or Damien 012-696 1129 (PEKA)
