The Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) would like to commend the Selangor State Government for not allowing the proposed development of the recreation park in Subang Ria by Sime UEP, and the proposed gazettement of recreational spaces in residential areas.

MNS is of the opinion that the 10% requirement for recreational spaces, as a condition for approval for a housing development layout plan, be strictly followed. Under no circumstances must they be converted for other purposes.

Selangor is a fast developing state, with a high concentration of industries, residential areas, and heavy vehicular traffic, with decreasing areas under tree cover. It is therefore, imperative that remaining green zones like forest reserves, wetlands, and recreational spaces in residential areas be scrupulously maintained.

Though not immediately realised by the average layman, green areas play vital ecological and environmental roles. Firstly, they are the source of essential raw materials that support us, in the form of agricultural food and cash crops, fisheries, wood products, and meat products from wild and domesticated animals.

Secondly, green areas function as sinks that absorbs and recycles waste products from our economic activities, at little or no cost to society. (For example, plants are capable of converting the air polluting gases like carbon dioxide into oxygen for our use, and the ability of organisms in our soils to decompose and break wastes into nutrients.)

Thirdly, the green areas provide life support functions as climate and hydrology stabilisers, and the maintenance of the gene pool that provides our biodiversity and resilience of organisms.

Humans need open spaces to grow, play, relax, and socialise, and in residential areas, parks, playgrounds, and recreational areas provide them with the opportunity to do so. Areas without recreational spaces will not provide humans the opportunity to grow and play normally, leading to maladjustments and social problems like depression, gangsterism, and vandalism.

Dato' Dr. Salleh Mohd. Nor

15 Jan. 1998