Two environmental groups have strongly condemned the Selangor government’s de-gazettement of half of the Kuala Langat North forest as a permanent reserve, as well as the lack of transparency and accountability behind the decision.

The Pertahankan Hutan Simpan Kuala Langat Utara (PHSKLU) coalition and the Malaysian Youth for Forest Action (MyHutan) also said the de-gazettement is a violation of the rights of the Orang Asli who live in that area.

“The PHSKLU coalition...