BANTING, Jan 19 — The Pantai Sungai Kajang area in Tanjong Karang which was closed for activities recently is now a mangrove forest reserve.
State executive councillor for tourism, environment, green technology and Orang Asli affairs Hee Loy Sian said the action of the Selangor State Forestry Department (JPNS) in closing the area was to preserve the mangrove forest.
“We want to preserve the mangrove trees in the area, as there has been encroachment and damage to the trees recently.
“We are not restricting picnickers from coming to the area, but are concerned with the environment. There has been an influx of people to the area,” he told reporters after launching the Tanglung and Flowers Festival at the Fo Guang Shan Dong Zen Temple, here tonight.
Asked if there would be any action taken against those who have put up structures in the area, Hee said the matter will be discussed with JPNS director Datuk Ahmad Fadzil Abdul Majid.
Tanjong Karang MP Datuk Dr Zulkafperi Hanapi had earlier urged JPNS to explain their decision to close the area on January 10.
Yesterday, the JPNS announced the re-opening of eco-forest parks and hiking activities in the state from February 1.
It said the re-opening involves six eco-forest parks and hiking trails in three forest reserves, which are in the Hulu Selangor Forest, Central Selangor Forest and Klang Coastal Forest, and asked the public to obtain a permit from the nearest District Forestry Offices there.
— Bernama
