Nursery operators highlight concerns in discussion with state exco

The January 8, 2025, meeting between affected plant nursery operators and State Exco YB Jamaliah Jamaluddin at the Selangor State Secretariat (SUK) in Shah Alam marked another chapter in the ongoing eviction dispute. During the session, the operators sought clarity on the land’s status, reasons for permit cancellations, and the Forestry Department’s jurisdiction in enforcing the eviction.

The operators raised eight key questions, ranging from whether the land had been degazetted as a forest reserve to the possibility of applying for Temporary Occupation Licenses (TOLs). A central issue was the financial strain of relocation and its impact on the livelihoods of 26 operators and their 100 employees.

A Thriving Hub Now Facing Eviction

For nearly two decades, the plant nurseries along Persiaran Tropicana in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, have been a vital part of the local horticultural industry. Operating on land previously designated as part of the Sungai Buloh Forest Reserve, the nurseries began with permits issued by the Selangor Forestry Department in 2006. These permits, renewed annually, allowed the use of a TNB transmission reserve for nursery activities.

However, the situation took a turn in 2022 when the department canceled the permits, citing non-compliance and the area’s forest reserve status. The eviction notices served in November 2024 have left operators grappling with an uncertain future.

Uncertainty Surrounding Land Status and Enforcement

One of the primary concerns was whether the land, previously designated as part of the Sungai Buloh Forest Reserve, had been officially converted to government land. If so, the operators questioned the jurisdiction of the Selangor Forestry Department in continuing enforcement actions.

Further ambiguity arose from a letter of permit cancellation issued on April 29, 2022, despite permits being consistently renewed since 2006. The operators argued that these permits, initially approved by the Forestry Department, allowed legal nursery activities.

Financial and Social Ramifications of Eviction

The nursery operators highlighted the severe economic and social consequences of forced eviction without a viable alternative. Relocation costs, including the demolition of structures and moving plants, were cited as unsustainable financial burdens.

Additionally, the potential job losses of local workers and the disruption to the community’s horticultural ecosystem were emphasized. The operators urged the state government to provide a reasonable timeline for them to secure TOLs or alternative arrangements.

Hope for a Compassionate Resolution

Despite the gravity of their predicament, the meeting ended on a positive note. The operators expressed hope for a compassionate resolution that would account for humanitarian and economic considerations. They extended an invitation to YB Jamaliah to visit the nursery site to witness the contributions these businesses make to the community and environment.

The operators now await an official response to their queries and the outcome of the Selangor Economic Action Council meeting chaired by the Menteri Besar. The collective plea for fairness reflects the community’s resilience and determination to seek a sustainable solution.