Yusri (third from left) cutting the ribbon at the delivery of a new low loader at the Bangunan Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah. — KK SHAM/The Star
EIGHT employees from the Klang District and Land Office (PDT Klang) suspected of involvement in illegal land transfer activities have been transferred out.
Selangor Land and Mines Office (PTGS) director Datuk Dr Yusri Zakariah said all eight were moved to the Human Resources Department (HRD) at the Selangor State Secretariat in Shah Alam.
He said their job scope at HRD did not involve land matters.
“I would like to clarify that the employees are from PDT Klang and not PTGS, as reported in some media channels.
“All eight will be at the state secretariat’s HRD until the police complete their investigations,” Yusri added.
On Jan 10, it was reported that police had uncovered illegal land transfer activities involving insiders at PDT Klang.
Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department director Comm Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf had said that 17 individuals were detained, including land office staff, since November last year.
They were suspected of being part of a criminal cartel involving illegal transfer of 9.4ha of land valued at RM7.1mil.
Comm Ramli had said investigations showed “insiders” had been involved in cartel activities.
Yusri noted that PTGS had conducted internal investigations involving analysis and forensic checks on the illegal land transfers and the results had been handed over to the police.
He said the illegal land transfer activities occurred during the digitalisation of land matters under the electronic land administration system (e-Tanah) that was being implemented in Selangor.
“We have taken steps to strengthen staff integrity and bolster anti-corruption measures at all PDTs,” he said after receiving a new RM1mil low loader from the Selangor government and witnessing the PTGS administrative enforcement’s monthly parade at the grounds of the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah building.
When asked about the Gua Lepak food court resuming operations in the Swamp Cave in Gombak, Yusri said it should be referred to Selayang Municipal Council (MPS).
“It is up to the MPS Licensing Department to take action as it involves a food court,” he added.
In March last year, the Gombak District and Land Office had ordered the Gua Lepak food court to cease operations as it was operating within the Batu Caves limestone hills.
However, StarMetro reported on Monday that the operator was back in business, with dining activities taking place inside the 400-million-year-old cave that is part of Selangor’s Gombak-Hulu Langat Geopark (GHL Geopark).
While the operator is licensed by MPS to conduct business outside the cave, they are not permitted to set up tables and chairs inside the Swamp Cave.