Ipoh: Meru Valley Resort residents not happy about development in forest reserve

IPOH (Jan 23): The Meru Valley Resort residents are not happy about a planned development in a forest reserve area adjacent to their homes and are objecting to it, The Star reported today.

“If the project takes off, the forest land will be cleared, causing disruption to the ecosystem there.

“The area identified for development is situated on a slope and any disturbance or earth works can cause erosion, sediment, mud flow and disruption to the drainage and river flow,” Meru Valley Resort Residents Association chairman Loo Sai Keen told the media after handing their objection forms to Ipoh City Council’s (MBI) Urban Planning Department director Mohd Zainal Abdul Hamid on Tuesday.

The daily also reported Loo saying that the 18.6ha “green lung” near Meru Valley Resort was part of the Kledang Saiong Permanent Forest Reserve.

He also revealed that there was a proposal under the Ipoh Local Plan 2020 draft to convert the forest land into a commercial development.

Loo said the commercial development would increase the population density and traffic flow in the area.

“Those who purchased properties at the resort did so because of its environment, flora and fauna surrounding the resort.

“There are various species of butterflies, crickets, monkeys and other wildlife living in that forest which will vanish if the project takes off,” he added.

It was reported yesterday that the Perak branch of the MCA political party has urged members of the public to voice their dissatisfaction against 10 projects proposed under the Ipoh Local Plan 2020.

Objection forms must be sent to MBI by 4.30pm on Jan 27.

The forms can be downloaded from the council’s website here.