NGOs urge govt to gazette Klang Gates Quartz Ridge surroundings

KUALA LUMPUR: Taman Melawati non-governmental organisations (NGOs) urged the government to gazette areas around the Klang Gates Quartz Ridge and its surrounding forests as a hub for environment conservation and rehabilitation for nature lovers in Klang Valley.

In applauding the government’s decision on the new alignment of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), Taman Melawati Residents Association (TMRA) and Society of Eco Greater Melawati (SeeGem) also called for all future hillside developments around the area to be reviewed, and if necessary halted.

TMRA’s chairman, Azhari Abd Taharim said the natural flora and fauna as well as landscape around Taman Melawati should be well preserved.

“The federal and Selangor state authorities should undertake a firm commitment to preserve the environment and ecosystem of Klang Gates Quartz Ridge by rejecting any development, including the proposed Tenaga National Berhad (TNB) power line realignment and extension of East Klang Expressway (EKVE).

SPONSORED CONTENT

Sabah revenue hits RM6.97 billion: Hajiji says GRS State Government may see full term

Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Government continued its momentum in managing the economy in line with the commitment and spirit of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) when it posted record high state revenue of RM6.973 billion last year.

“All of these (new developments) will disrupt the delicate balance of Bukit Taboh and the areas surrounding the Klang Gates Quartz Ridge,” he said in a joint statement with SeeGem here.

The 16-km long and 200-metre wide pure quartz dyke, the longest of its kind in the world, would have been a major environmental casualty under the ECRL project originally proposed by the previous government. The new alignment of the ECRL no longer passes Hulu Klang and it has been routed to Jelebu in Negeri Sembilan instead.

Meanwhile, SeeGem chairman Dr Dhileepan Nair said had the original plan of ECRL and EKVE materialised, it would have been a huge disaster to the environment.

“Conversation of the water catchment and storage areas that protect the city from floods and provides water supply to Kuala Lumpur are paramount above any miniscule economic gain,” he said.

Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.

Daily Express Malaysia

Dr Dhileepan, who is also an environmentalist and naturalist, stated that Klang Gates Quartz Ridge has five endemic plants and animal species found nowhere else in the world. – Bernama

Try 1 month for RM 18.00

Try 1 month for RM 18.00

Try 1 month for RM 18.00