Denial syndrome has to stop now
04/03/2005 NST

I REFER to the development and destruction of forest in Bukit Cerakah near Bukit Cahaya Seri Alam Agricultural Park (NST, March 2). The parties concerned have given their respective stories. The next move would be the follow-up action by the authorities against the developers and other parties or individuals, if any, found responsible.

We would like to see real action taken and firmness shown without fear or favour at all stages. It would be prudent to reveal their identities to the public not only to serve as a deterrent to others but also to show we are serious about dealing with such problems quickly and effectively, besides ensuring transparency and accountability in the State land administration.

We believe that developers do not commit such acts on their own volition and in such a glaring manner without approval somewhere along the line.

Otherwise it would not have gone this far before being detected. We just cannot pretend to be wiser after each event all the time.

Unless the real culprits are punished, the credibility of the State Government will continue to be questioned. It should not go on anymore with the denial syndrome. It is time someone took the responsibility and called a spade a spade.

DATUK AHMAD SIDEK
Petaling Jaya

I AM relieved at Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo's explanation that there was no encroachment of the Bukit Cahaya Seri Alam Agricultural Park by the developers, though I don't think he's off the hook.

Didn't the park authorities and developers know that the development would affect the park?

Then, it occurs to me to ask, in cases where there is encroachment of parks, what happens after the developers have paid the fines and done (so-called) remedial work? Are they allowed to continue the development?

After all, they would argue, the land has already been scarred and damaged. Is this a good enough reason?

How many times have developers got away with this form of encroachment with the collusion of a few government officers, getting their hands on valuable and protected lands and forests and sending in their tractors and excavators to clear the land?

They would have factored this into their costs and found it still advantageous. Why not? In the end, they still get their prize.

I wish the authorities would be more vigilant and do a proper job of monitoring and protecting our valuable forests and parks. They should not buck up only when the issue is brought up by the Prime Minister.

C.K. KONG
Petaling Jaya