KUALA LUMPUR: A landmark agreement has been signed to hand over the operation and management of Paya Indah Wetlands (PIW), a protected nature reserve in Selangor, to property developer Gamuda Land.
Gamuda Land, through Discovery Wetlands Sdn Bhd, will take over the daily operation and management of PIW, while the federal government, through the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan), will focus on wildlife conservation in the area.
The land reserve was previously managed fully by Perhilitan.
The agreement, which will be enforced until July 31, 2037, was signed by Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) Ministry secretary-general Datuk Dr Ching Thoo Kim, Selangor state secretary Datuk Haris Kasim, and Gamuda Land executive director Dato' Abdul Sahak Bin Safi.
The agreement signing was witnessed by NRES minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad and Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari.
"I believe this collaboration will ensure the sustainable management of our swamps and ecosystems. It is one of the tourist attractions for Selangor," Amirudin said at the signing, which took place at the ministry.
He highlighted that PIW, combined with the nearby SplashMania WaterPark, offers a compelling family-friendly package that provides both entertainment and an educational experience.
A joint working committee, chaired by the Perhilitan director, will oversee the implementation and compliance of the agreement. Policy, meanwhile, will be determined by the Paya Indah Wetlands Reserve Land Steering Committee, headed by the NRES secretary-general.
"This strategic partnership aligns with the National Policy on Biological Diversity 2022-2030," said Nik Nazmi.
He said that current attractions include hippopotamuses, crocodiles, peafowls, horses, and rabbits.
Paya Indah Wetlands spans 450.76 hectares of peat swamp and freshwater lakes and was gazetted as a protected area in 1998 by the Selangor government.
Nazmi added that wetlands "provide ecosystem services, such as protection against strong winds and waves, flood control, and carbon sink benefits".