In an interview with Maritime Fairtrade, the Behrang Ulu community has expressed its opposition to the proposed development of an urban forest by foreign developers associated with Chinese companies, for residential and automotive industry projects.
An urban forest is a forest, or a collection of trees, that grow within a city, town or a suburb. Within this mega biodiversity forest, the community organizes monthly public events aimed at its protection, preservation, and conservation.
“We have a land rich with forest trees; why would we choose to destroy it or pursue other endeavors?” commented Professor Dr. Santharasekran Subramaniam, president, Pertubuhan Konservasi Alam Malaysia, a forest conservation association.
“Instead, this urban forest should be preserved for the invaluable resources it provides, benefiting both current and future generations.”
Located approximately 12 kilometers north of Tanjung Malim, Behrang Ulu can be accessed via Proton City, home to the Proton car assembly plant. Located in Perak, positioned on the western flank at the base of the Titiwangsa Mountains and southwest of Mount Liang, this region is distinguished by its elevated, valley-like terrain that remains predominantly forested.
The urban forest, situated on the land designated under title PN 394962 (Lot 20403, Mukim Hulu Bernam Timor), with an area of 103.71 acres, is owned by Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Perak (PKNP), a state agency entrusted to spearhead the economic development and socio-economic growth in the State of Perak.
The site, with an estimated three million trees, encompassing around 1,100 distinct varieties of forest tree species within a singular centralized location, is recognized as the largest evergreen tree planting center in Malaysia, aptly named the Largest Rainforest Nursery in Malaysia.
It also holds the title of Asia’s largest forest tree nursery center — Asia’s Largest Conservation Nursery — featuring around 120 species that are endemic, endangered, and rare.
The site was leased from 1998 until 2018 by the late planter James Kingham, after which PKNP ended the lease and changed the land status to industrial use. Since then, a new developer took over the land and contractors had entered the site and started work.
Kingham, who passed away in 2022, had leased the land for 20 years and painstakingly planted seedlings he collected from rainforests in Taman Negara, Sabah and Sarawak, with the help of Orang Asli and park rangers.
Subramaniam said transporting the trees to other states such as Kelantan is impractical.
He said: “PKNP doesn’t have the authority to alter the status of this land without addressing our concerns as a conservation entity in Malaysia. This means we retain rights over the trees on this land despite its designation under PKNP. While PKNP holds administrative control, the land remains a public asset since it was neither purchased nor freely acquired by them. Therefore, it is within our prerogative to advocate for its preservation for communal benefit.”
On November 1, the Behrang Ulu community discovered that contractors had been engaged without proper documentation or authorization from PKNP to remove trees and install fencing around the forest.
“Such actions are inappropriate, as there is no substantive evidence indicating that these trees can be destroyed in this area,” Subramaniam said. “The Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia and the State of Perak have been involved and have affirmed the uniqueness of this tree, noting its absence in their own regions.”
Pursuant to the National Forestry Act of 1984, trees classified as Endangered, Rare, and Threatened (ERT) species are mandated to be preserved and are strictly prohibited from being felled. Consequently, any individual who enters this area with the intention of destroying or demolishing these vital trees is engaging in unlawful conduct.
The Behrang Ulu community hopes
- To have a discussion and present feedback to the Forestry Department’s director general.
- To present a memorandum to the Sultan of Perak State to have the area designates as a royal forest.
- To establish tree banks to ensure diversity crucial for conservation and restoration efforts.
- To rehabilitate disturbed forest ecosystems, to support returning wildlife, conserve water resources, and preserve other natural features.
- To create an urban forest, rich in diversity, accessible to the surrounding community, like Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) in Tanjong Malim, for educational and recreational purposes.
- To encourage eco-tourism through nature walks, bird watching, and camping sites, among other activities.
“Thus, we remain steadfast in our commitment as the Behrang Ulu community continues to develop a program within a month. This initiative involves engaging with the public, gathering petitions, and subsequently sharing information about various tree species,” Subramaniam said.
“There is no objection to the preservation of this urban forest for the benefit of future generations.”
Photo credit: Santharasekran Subramaniam. Santharasekran Subramaniam (left), president, Pertubuhan Konservasi Alam Malaysia.
