Illegal chalet development raises alarm over Behrang River ecosystem in Perak

TANJONG MALIM: Several cases of unauthorised commercial development on government land are raising environmental concerns in Perak, as illegal chalet construction threatens the ecosystem along Sungai Behrang in Muallim.
What began as a trend of encroachment for agricultural and residential purposes has now shifted towards commercial ventures.
In this latest case, permanent structures — including a two-storey bungalow-style building — have been erected near the river, believed to be without planning approval, a visit by Berita Harian to the site revealed.
Located near Kampung Sungai Dara, the riverside area is a popular spot for nature enthusiasts, particularly hikers and swimmers. The illegal development poses a risk to the integrity of the river reserve, which plays a vital role in protecting water quality and biodiversity.
The structure is believed to have been built over an area of 500 square metres, encroaching on approximately half an acre of government-owned land, including part of the protected river reserve.
According to a source, the chalet construction has exceeded the boundaries of private land and intruded into both government land and the river buffer zone. "The construction of the permanent structure goes beyond private land and is found to encroach on government land and the river reserve," the source said.
Under environmental regulations, developments near rivers must maintain a buffer zone of between 20 and 40 metres. However, the structure in question was found to be less than 20 metres from Sungai Behrang, in direct violation of these guidelines.
"We found that the structure was erected about two months ago before a canvas fence was put up to hide the activity from villagers and authorities," the source added.
Authorities had already issued two eviction notices under Section 425 of the National Land Code (Act 828), dated February 2025. The notices confirmed that the party involved was occupying government land in the Sungai Dara region without permission.
"The developer is requested to vacate the site within 14 days from the date of the notice," the document stated. "If you fail to do so, the Muallim land administrator or any officer authorised by them has the right to take legal action to ensure the site is vacated."
"If necessary, destruction, demolition, seizure, or removal of any property belonging to you will be carried out without reference to any party," the notice warned.
Despite the deadline having passed, the structure remains standing, and the residence is believed to be occupied by foreign workers linked to the chalet project. A site inspection revealed gas cylinders and clothing, indicating recent activity inside the premises.
"This is the second time the operator has built on the same site," a source said, referencing a previous attempt in 2018 involving piling work, which was later dismantled by authorities.
Monitoring of the site began earlier this year, culminating in the issuance of the February notices. Still, the operator has failed to comply.
"We identified at least five workers at the site, but they have stopped work since February," the source noted.
The case highlights not only a legal violation but also a growing pattern of disregard for environmental safeguards. Experts warn that illegal development in river reserves accelerates erosion, pollutes water sources, and damages habitats.
Officials stress that any construction must follow the proper procedures. "For any development, the operator must obtain planning permission from the local authority before land ownership can be requested from the district land office," the source explained.
Muallim district is a natural gem, surrounded by the Titiwangsa Range and home to nine scenic mountains, including Mount Behrang, and Mount Sanggul.
The area also features popular waterfalls like Strata Falls, Warin Falls, and Ulu Slim, drawing both local and international tourists seeking outdoor adventure and relaxation.
Meanwhile, officials in Muallim have moved swiftly to curb illegal land encroachment, as unauthorised chalet developments threaten sensitive river ecosystems.
The Muallim District and Land Office has taken action in at least five cases of encroachment on government land and river reserves, all involving construction for commercial purposes. Investigations into other affected areas are currently under way.
Assistant District Officer from the Technical and Enforcement Unit, Sarina Omar, said the authorities have been proactive in demolishing structures built without approval. A recent operation involved dismantling a concrete structure in the Sungai Dara river reserve, believed to be intended for commercial use.
"Following investigations, we launched the operation in coordination with multiple departments and agencies, under the oversight of the Muallim District and Land Office and the Perak State Land and Mines Office," Sarina. Notices were issued in advance under Section 425 of the National Land Code (Act 828).
Sarina said that those found guilty of encroaching on government land face fines of up to RM500,000 or imprisonment for up to five years. She said that the operations aim to stop illegal expansion, protect river access, and preserve the area's natural environment.
River reserves serve as vital buffer zones, safeguarding ecosystems and nearby land from natural disasters, she explained. "This initiative is aligned with the Perak Sejahtera 2030 agenda, which places environmental sustainability at the heart of state development," Sarina added.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Daily Express

4 days ago

• Daily Express

Man faces death penalty for drug trafficking after fatal motorcycle crash

Published on: Wednesday, June 18, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jun 18, 2025 By: FMT Reporters Text Size: Chun Kok Keong was charged at the Temerloh magistrates' court with drug trafficking and possession, as well as driving dangerously, leading to the deaths of two teenagers. (X pic) PETALING JAYA: A customer service officer who fatally struck two teenage motorcyclists on June 11 has been charged in the Temerloh magistrates' court with drug trafficking and possession, as well as two counts of dangerous driving. Chun Kok Keong, 38, was accused of trafficking 50.85g of methamphetamine in front of the Temerloh police headquarters at around 12.30am on June 12, reported Berita Harian. Advertisement Chun nodded in understanding when the charge under Section 39B(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 was read out to him. If convicted, he faces the death penalty, or up to 40 years in prison and 15 strokes of the cane if not sentenced to death. No plea was recorded for this charge as the case falls under the jurisdiction of the High Court. Chun was also charged under Section 12(2) of the Dangerous Drugs Act (Amendment 1988) with possessing 0.85g of heroin. The offence was allegedly committed at the same time and location. If convicted, he could face up to five years' imprisonment, a fine of up to RM100,000, or both. He pleaded not guilty to this charge. In the third and fourth charges, Chun was charged with driving dangerously and causing the deaths of Nur Erdina Shaffiya Muhammad Nazri and Aneez Irdiena Sofya Khairul Azman, both 18. The offence allegedly took place at a traffic light on Jalan Tengku Ismail in Temerloh at around 10.50pm on June 11. The charges were framed under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years' imprisonment and a fine of up to RM50,000 upon conviction. Chun, who was represented by National Legal Aid Foundation lawyer Siti Fatimah Mohd Shahril, pleaded not guilty to both charges. The prosecution was conducted by deputy public prosecutors Adriana Azri and Siti Sarah Aqilah Lokman before magistrate Tan Chiew King. The court set Sept 18 for the next mention of the first and second charges, and July 17 for the third and fourth charges. It also imposed an additional condition that Chun's driving licence be suspended until the trial concludes. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia

Focus Malaysia

6 days ago

• Focus Malaysia

Elderly Haj pilgrims scammed; outraged Malaysians demand 'religious figure' is exposed

Editor's Note: Siti Kasim has reacted with furore the involvement of a religious figure who allegedly scammed 47 elderly Malaysian pilgrims while claiming how they deceived their victims with their scull caps and robes. 'The worse kind of people are the ones that use religion to make their fortune,' fumed the human rights activist and lawyer in her recent Facebook post. 'And there are plenty of them around in Malaysia. Wearing their skull caps and their robes with the black marks on their foreheads, they become a symbol of piety when some of them are devils in disguise. 'I totally despise these people and I'm certain they will rot in hell! Despicable!' FOR many, performing the Haj pilgrimage is a once-in-a-lifetime experience where years of toil are needed to fork out for the expenses. So imagine the shock and outrage of Malaysians upon hearing the news that 47 senior citizens had allegedly fallen victim to a Haj scam by a local agent involving a well-known religious figure. These unfortunate victims were allegedly blackmailed and held against their will along with having to trek through dangerous routes to avoid detection by the authorities or worse, to make do without food or water. Reacting to the widely publicised scam, digital creator JalalMisai (@jllmisai) asked just who was this 'well-known religious figure?' And why was the advertisement blurred out in the media reports? Siapa agamawan terkenal tu..? Kenapa kaburkan poster iklan haji tu..? Jemaah dah bayar RM30k tapi dapat layanan macam pelarian di tempat orang.. — JalalMisai (@jllmisai) June 14, 2025 'Pilgrims paid up to RM30,000 but only to be treated like refugees in a foreign land,' lamented the poster who cited a Berita Harian news report on the apparent scam. One netizen wanted the relevant individual to be named and shamed while pointing out that these sorts of cases could lead to wider ramifications. Not least the Saudi authorities could reduce the quota for Malaysians because the reported scam breached haj visa ruling. Some commenters contended that both the scammer and religious influencer were Malay and their identities had not yet been revealed. They wondered where were those who constantly played the race card claiming that 'non-Malay crooks were a protected lot' given that the alleged Malay criminals in this case were not exposed'? It was also argued that whenever a VVIP is allegedly linked to a scandal, their identities are shrouded in mystery. On the contrary, the ordinary Joe will be roundly named and shamed. One commenter wondered if such is democratic practice considering that senior leaders of the country who are majority Muslims have remained silent on this issue. Another surmised that perhaps the tell-tale sign that the package was a scam was its lower than usual price. Reporting on the same news, Buletin TV3 (@BuletinTV3) quoted a relative of some of the victims who claimed that the senior citizens were 'psychological manipulated'. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Buletin TV3 (@buletintv3) This made the calls to reveal the identities of the scammers even louder. Thankfully, one netizen furnished the original advertisement which was blurred by Berita Harian for netizens to judge for themselves. One netizen warned this will lead the erosion of trust for the clergy and religious influencers. Always go through the Pilgrimage Funds Board a.k.a. Tabung Haji was the advice of one commenter. No need to resort to external sources and be at risk of such scams. There are probably a slew of legal implications preventing the media from exposing the identities of the alleged scammers. But what of the cops? According to Bernama, Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department acting director Datuk Seri Muhammed Hasbullah Ali said an investigation paper had been opened under Section 420 of the Penal Code following three reports lodged by the victim's next of kin – two in Mantin (Negeri Sembilan) and one in Ayer Hitam (Johor). Muhammed Hasbullah said the police will also work with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM), Tabung Haji and the Tourism, Arts, and Culture Ministry (MOTAC) to blacklist companies offering Haj packages without approval so as to prevent people from becoming victims. But surely there should be no reason why the cops cannot issue a statement and reveal the relevant suspects. Why the delay? – June 16, 2025

Malay Mail

11-06-2025

• Malay Mail

Penang police rescue three Indonesians allegedly held captive for a year, arrest four suspects

GEORGE TOWN, June 11 — Penang police rescued three Indonesian men believed to have been held captive for nearly a year in a condominium on Jalan Dr Wu Lien Teh here yesterday, Berita Harian reported. The case reportedly came to light after a man from Aceh, Indonesia, lodged a report while searching for his family member who had been missing for a year. According to the Malay daily, the three victims were confined to the residence with their feet chained to iron bars on the window. They are believed to have no prior connection with one another, and their passports were allegedly held by a suspect under the pretense of securing employment. One of the victims managed to send his location to his family in Aceh, prompting the complainant to approach the police, according to the report. Police are currently investigating the case, including the motive for the confinement and the possible involvement of other suspects. Following the rescue, Berita Harian reported that four individuals, including a foreign woman, were remanded for four days starting today to assist with the investigation under Section 344 of the Penal Code, which pertains to wrongful confinement for an extended period. The remand order was issued by Magistrate Azlan Basri at the George Town Court. Penang police chief Datuk Hamzah Ahmad confirmed the case and the arrests when contacted.