KUALA LUMPUR — The Selangor government has rejected allegations surrounding a 168-acre parcel near Ayer Hitam, Puchong, describing the claims as politically motivated and misleading amid rising concern among local residents.
Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said suggestions that the land, once a forest reserve, was earmarked for development and sold below market value had been clarified previously but were being deliberately revived.
“These allegations are not new. They have been clarified before, yet continue to be repeated to create unnecessary anxiety,” he said in a statement today.
Amirudin stressed that the site is not part of a permanent forest reserve, noting it had been degazetted in 1926 during the British Malaya era.
On development, he was unequivocal.
“We have never approved any development on this land,” he said.
The site had been alienated in 1996 to Citrasama Projek Sdn Bhd and Metroway Sdn Bhd for a low-cost housing project under a previous administration. However, the proposal was rejected in 2003 by Subang Jaya City Council (MPSJ) after 75% of the area was classified as Class III and IV slopes — terrain exceeding 25 degrees and deemed unsuitable for construction.
“The terrain exceeds 25 degrees and is not suitable for development,” Amirudin said.
The state government subsequently cancelled the project in 2010 and revoked the land alienation, prompting legal action by the developers in 2011. The dispute reached the Federal Court in 2017, which upheld the local authority’s decision.
“The Court of Appeal and the Federal Court confirmed that the decision to disallow development was correct, given the slope conditions,” he said.
Addressing claims that the land was sold below market value, Amirudin said it was disposed of via open tender in 2012 after an independent valuation placed it at RM13.02 per sq ft, or RM95.3 million.
“It was ultimately sold at RM101 million, which is 5.9% above the valuation,” he said, adding that only a deposit was initially paid due to ongoing court proceedings, with full payment completed in stages by 2020 according to the sale and purchase agreement.
Reiterating the state’s stance, Amirudin said the land remains unsuitable for development.
“The land is not safe for commercial or residential use due to its Class III and IV slope topography, as affirmed by the Federal Court,” he said.
He added that the matter was raised during a recent engagement session with 14 residents’ associations, attended by Kinrara assemblyman Ng Sze Han, following the spread of misinformation.
Despite the controversy, residents have suggested preserving hiking trails leading to Ayer Hitam Forest for community use.
“We will bring this request to the state executive council and engage the landowner to ensure the community’s recreational needs are safeguarded,” he said. – April 24, 2026