Malaysia to establish Bukit Dinding as a permanent forest reserve

The Malaysian government plans to designate Bukit Dinding as a permanent forest reserve by the end of November.

Datuk Lo Su Fui, the Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories), confirmed that the process is in its final stages. The Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur Land Working Committee already approved the application to revoke the existing open space reservation for the site. Officials will now prepare a draft gazette to revoke the open space status.

This draft will undergo review by the Attorney-General's Chambers before the chairman of the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur Land Working Committee signs it for publication. Once published, the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur Lands and Mines Office will notify the Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia to officially gazette the 20.57 hectare area under the National Forestry Act 1984. The Federal Territories Forestry Department estimates the costs for boundary surveys, initial management, and public awareness programs at RM116,000.

Because these funds were not included in Budget 2027, the department submitted an application to a project trust account. The planned work includes surveying a two kilometre stretch, site management, and awareness campaigns with non-governmental organisations. Following the legal status change, the department expects to complete the boundary marking and forest inventory over a 10 month period between August 2027 and June 2028.