Selangor MB explains limits when developing state-owned land

THE state can grant permission for development to take place on government-owned land, if it has undergone the proper disposal process and the new landowner has fulfilled the necessary conditions.

“However, this does not apply to all situations, as some cases involve certain limitations,” said Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari during the Selangor State Assembly sitting at Bangunan Dewan Negeri Selangor, Shah Alam.

“A major constraint is that development will not be allowed if that piece of land has been gazetted for a specific purpose, such as for a school or hospital.”

Amirudin, who oversees the land and natural resources portfolio, was responding to an oral question raised by Wong Siew Ki (PH-Seri Kembangan) on land development and construction of public facilities on government-owned land.

“Gazettement ensures land meant for public facilities is not developed for other purposes,” he said.

“Land status and area zoning by local councils are other factors.

"For example, if agricultural land is to be changed to industrial land, it will result in an increase in land premium for the landowner.

“The development also has to comply with the land zoning set out in respective local councils' area plan.”

Amirudin said there was a possibility of land swapping to resolve issues such as resettling squatters but that is on a case-by-case basis.

To ensure liveability, Amirudin said the Selangor government had placed several conditions that have to be fulfilled when submitting an application for planning permission, such as density and height limits for apartments.

“For certain sensitive areas, the density of the building and number of dwelling units will be limited to avoid congestion.

“We will also consider the environmental impact assessment and social impact assessment reports on a development’s impact,”