SHAH ALAM: The blanket ban on new hillside developments in Selangor will stay.

Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said the state had no intention of rescinding the order, made soon after the March 8 general election, despite calls for a review from the Real Estate and Housing Developers Association of Malaysia (Rehda).

The ban on construction on Class 3 and Class 4 slopes or slopes with 25 degree and 35 degree angles was announced on April 3.

Abdul Khalid, at a dialogue with Rehda and various non-governmental organisations (NGOs), said developers were welcome to make recommendations and submit proposals but the state would not allow for new hillside development.

Meanwhile, 100 ongoing hill-side development projects, which were approved by the previous state government, would be allowed to continue but with strict guidelines and close monitoring by the authorities.
"These projects are in various stages of development and we cannot stop them but will ensure they follow the rules."

Abdul Khalid yesterday denied a report in an English daily that two members of his executive council had supported calls by REHDA to review the ban.

He said Ronnie Liu and Teresa Kok had merely asked that the state listen to the grievances of developers.

"As the state government, we need to be receptive to everyone, just like developers need to listen to their customers, who are the public."

He said yesterday's dialogue between developers and NGOs was an eye-opener for all involved.

"Both sides have their point of view and we provided a forum where their concerns could be shared."

He said the decision to ban hillside development was made in the interest of the people, adding that such development not only caused landslides but also flash floods.