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The Malaysian Government should review its methods of dealing with those who trespass green lung, as a positive step to protect the environment

 


Press Statement
by Dr Tan Seng Giaw

(Kuala Lumpur, Thursday):  It is high time that the Government reviews its measures for combating the encroachment of vacant land earmarked for recreation. So far, the measures taken have not been effective. The Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his Deputy Dato’ Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi urge the people to love the environment. But, some still encroach on green lung.

 The Prime Minister proposes that this country become an international garden country and that Kuala Lumpur the international garden city of light. Indeed, the KL Structural Plan aims at making the city world-class.

 The Government maintains that this nation needs sustainable development, creating a balance between development and environment. This is a good concept. It should be followed by effective enforcement.

 Acres of green lung in Kelana Jaya, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, have been converted into various types of development. There, we have a stadium that is not well maintained. We also have half a park that serves as sewage,  retention ponds and  receptacles for the overflow of oxidation ponds.

 In Taman Indah Perdana, Kepong, Selangor, we see MCA builds its branch premises at Lot 11643 and it has an annual permit to erect a multi-purpose hall at Lot 56974. The Selayang Municipality does not stop the invasion of green lung. It appears to encourage such an activity.

 Kuala Lumpur lacks vacant land. Hence, city folks cry for more of it. But, some continue to transgress on vacant land with seeming impunity. For example, over seven years ago, the City Hall planted trees on Lot 14219, Jinjang South. This lot has been designated a vacant land. About two months ago, someone cut the trees. Instead, he has put a few container cabins on the land, surrounding it with a wall.  The City Hall did not know. We have informed the authorities. 

(17/7/2003)


*  Dr Tan Seng Giaw, DAP National Vice Chairman & MP for Kepong