{
  "id": 17940749,
  "title": "Deforestation puts Shah Alam residents at greater flood risk",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/03/deforestation-puts-shah-alam-residents-at-greater-flood-risk",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-03T09:23:36.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/11/1569910/deforestation-puts-shah-alam-residents-greater-flood-risk"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Shah Alam residents are facing a heightened flood risk due to ongoing deforestation in the area, according to Pertubuhan Pelindung Khazanah Alam Malaysia (Peka). The group's president, Rajesh Nagarajan, emphasized that deforestation is now a critical public safety issue, as evidenced by recent flash floods and landslides. These disasters resulted from the uncontrolled clearing of forests, hillsides, and water catchment areas in Shah Alam. The Bukit Cerakah area, in particular, has been a concern since 2020, with residents raising alarms about clearing activities near Perdana Heights. Despite legal challenges, the Selangor government continues to allow development and degradation of forest resources. Peka has warned the government about the dangers multiple times, yet the floods have persisted, prompting calls for an immediate moratorium on forest clearing and hillside development, as well as an independent public inquiry into the recurring floods.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: Continued forest destruction in Shah Alam is no longer merely an environmental issue but a serious public safety concern, said Pertubuhan Pelindung Khazanah Alam Malaysia (Peka).",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Shah Alam paying the price for deforestation, green group says on floods",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/03/shah-alam-paying-the-price-for-deforestation-green-group-says-on",
        "published": "2026-11-03T03:27:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}