KOTA DAMANSARA: The state government will place emphasis on community-centred development to ensure sustainability and minimal impact on the environment.

A task force consisting of non-governmental organisations, industry experts and scientists will be formed to advise the state government on environmental policies.

Thursday March 27, 2008

Khalid plans to work with Federal Government

CAFE LATTE CHAT

The Star Group Chief Editor Datuk Wong Chun Wai, in his latest Cafe Latte Chat series, met Khalid on Monday, shortly after the new state executive councillors were sworn in.

In-depth interview: Khalid answering a question during the Cafe Latte Chat with Wong.

ENVIRONMENT

What is your plan to preserve green areas in Selangor? – Choong Mee Fatt (Petaling Jaya)

Khalid: I’m looking at the percentage of green lungs we have. It’s more than just maintaining green lungs. They provide us with catchment areas. I think it is imperative for the state government to be careful. If we open up without taking care of green lungs, you not only destroy the green areas but also the most important item, which is water. And that is going to be very costly in the future.

Kota Damansara is one of the main areas with environmental issues. What is the state government’s commitment to preserving the place? – Jennifer Phuah See Mei (Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya)

Khalid: We thought areas that have been gazetted should not be reopened. We will make it a rule to have a public debate and forum if any development has to take place. So the public will be involved in making decisions. Especially so if people were to buy areas near the green lung, then the price of the purchase includes the price of the green lung. When you destroy the green lung, you destroy the rights of the people living around the area. It is called property right.

In certain countries, they have certain regulations. They have to inform those involved because when the people bought it, they have taken that part of the price into consideration.