Selangor authorities today confirmed leasing land in Taman Selayang Indah to businessman Ho Ah Chai, following complaints by residents who said the use of the plot for plants and animals had led to odour and noise pollution in the neighbourhood.
The Selangor Land and Mines Office said it received two lease applications in 2019 from a company and an individual for Lot 50863 in Bandar Selayang, Gombak.
"The state authorities on Sept 15, 2020, considered approving the application by Ho Ah Chai for agricultural purposes," it said.
"Accordingly, a land lease agreement between the Selangor state government as the lessor and Ho as the lessee was sealed on Nov 13, 2020.
"The approval of this lease was in line with the legal provisions under Section 63 of the National Land Code 1965."
Residents previously told MalaysiaNow that the plot of land in question was originally used as a playground.
They said it was fenced up and turned into a "mini-zoo" during the Covid-19 pandemic, following which they lodged complaints with the Selayang Municipal Council and the Selangor Land and Mines Office.
They also said they had received a letter from the land office confirming that the land had been leased.
In its statement today, the land office said it had received a letter of complaint from the residents' representative stating their dissatisfaction with the disturbance.
"Following the complaint, the Selangor Land and Mines Office conducted an on-site investigation on July 26, 2023, and issued a letter of reminder, that is the notice of default to the lessee to remedy the issue, in line with the purpose of the land lease agreement."