Taman Rimba Ampang, a popular forest recreation area in Ampang, Selangor, remains closed nearly a decade after it was initially shut to facilitate the construction of the East Klang Valley Expressway (EKVE). The closure, first announced in 2017 with an expected duration of 18 months, has extended far beyond that timeframe, leading to frustration among local residents who have been unable to access the park.

Situated within the Ampang Forest Reserve, the forest park, also known locally as Bukit Belacan, has long served as a recreational space for families, birdwatchers, and community members. Many residents recall fond memories of using the park for leisure activities such as swimming, nature observation, and outdoor gatherings. The prolonged closure has resulted in some facilities deteriorating due to lack of upkeep, raising concerns about the timeline and plans for the park’s restoration.

The closure is directly tied to the ongoing construction of the EKVE, which runs adjacent to and above parts of the forest park. Developer EKVE Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Ahmad Zaki Resources Bhd (AZRB), stated that as of August 2026, the highway construction was approximately 92% complete, with expectations to finish by the end of the year. The company noted that environmental constraints required phased construction to minimize disturbance to the ecosystem and that temporary closure of forest access points was necessary for safety reasons due to heavy machinery operations.

EKVE Sdn Bhd has outlined a restoration plan incorporating replantation of native plant species, wildlife corridors, and eco-bridges aimed at mitigating environmental impacts and facilitating animal movement across the highway. These plans have been reviewed and approved by the Department of Environment and the Environment and Natural Resources Committee of Selangor. The developer also reports ongoing engagement with local and environmental groups regarding forest preservation and rehabilitation efforts, pledging continued environmental monitoring following the road’s opening.

Despite these assurances, local community representatives and groups have expressed dissatisfaction with the delay in reopening the park. The Ampang Jaya Rimba Collective (AJ Rimba), a local advocacy group, has called on the Selangor government and Selangor Forestry Department (JPNS) to take a leading role in managing the park’s restoration. The group urges greater transparency regarding forest and river rehabilitation, recreational facilities, and conservation plans, proposing the establishment of a community-inclusive committee to oversee the restoration process. They emphasize that involving local residents and environmental experts could foster stronger stewardship and appreciation for the natural environment.

Further complicating the matter, the park's closure was initially challenged in court by several non-governmental organizations concerned about environmental damage caused by EKVE construction and related logging activities. After an interim stay was granted in 2016, it was later lifted, allowing construction to proceed.

JPNS director Azhar Ahmad has said that reopening the park depends on the completion of EKVE and subsequent upgrading works, which are expected to focus on landscaping and minimal infrastructure additions designed to preserve the park’s natural character. Proposed facilities include public toilets, a surau (prayer room), and areas for recreation and camping. However, no definitive timeline for the park’s reopening has been provided.

Local elected representative Syed Ahmad Syed Abdul Rahman Alhadad described the forest park as a vital "third space" for residents and emphasized the community’s eagerness to regain access. He acknowledged construction delays exceeding five years and highlighted the need for a shared stewardship model to ensure sustainable management once the park reopens.

As it stands, access to Taman Rimba Ampang will remain restricted until EKVE construction is completed and environmental restoration measures are carried out. Meanwhile, residents continue to await clearer communication and actionable plans from authorities to bring back this valued green space.