Speaking to FMT, the tourism, nature, green technology and consumerism executive member refuted allegations made earlier today by Badrul Hisham Shaharin, better known as Chegubard, dismissing it as a claim intended to smear the state government’s image.

“Chegubard’s statement is false and purposely misleading and intended to vilify the state government.”
Wong also rubbished Chegubard’s claims that the area was a registered Ramsar site, pointing out that “the land is not a registered world heritage site or Ramsar site”.

“However, it is a very popular weekend recreational park, especially with families, companies and schools.”

Quick checks by FMT also revealed that the only six Ramsar sites in Malaysia were Tasek Bera in Pahang, Tanjung Piai in Johor, Pulau Kukup in Johor, Sungai Pulai in Johor, Kuching Wetland in Sarawak and Lower Kinabatangan-Segama Wetland in Sabah.

Wong also clarified that the entire Paya Indah Wetlands area was leased to the Department of Wildlife and National Parks for their wildlife projects since the late 1990s.

“No rezoning was done in the Paya Indah Wetlands at all.”

In a press conference today, Chegubard had claimed that Selangor Menteri Besar Azmin Ali had approved a piece of land in the Paya Indah Wetlands for development.

Chegubard also urged the Selangor Government and the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry to immediately withdraw the approval to develop the land.