Exco: Joint enforcement operation to curb encroachment, unauthorised use of land
A TOTAL of 72 factories illegally operating on government land have been demolished since January this year through joint enforcement operations involving local authorities (PBT) and Land and District Offices (PDT).
Selangor local government and tourism committee chairman Datuk Ng Suee Lim said 53 factories were demolished by the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) and Petaling PDT through two joint operations, as well as 19 factories by Klang Royal City Council and Klang PDT in one operation.
“The demolition was carried out after the necessary notification process, land status review and coordination measures between the relevant agencies were completed,” said Ng.
He said enforcement action first involved serving Notice 7A under Section 128 of the National Land Code early last year, followed by 11 reminders under Notice 7B issued by the PDT to parties involved in five land titles.
Notice 7A is issued to a landowner for breach of an express or implied condition of the land title, and gives the owner the opportunity to rectify the situation within a specified period of time.
Notice 7B is subsequently issued to provide an opportunity for the owner or interested party to present reasons why the land in question should not be seized by the PDT.
He said this in reply to Rajiv Rishyakaran (PH-Bukit Gasing) who asked about illegal factories and unplanned land development during the Selangor State Assembly sitting at Bangunan Dewan Negeri Selangor in Shah Alam.
Ng acknowledged that the demolition of illegal factories has affected building owners, entrepreneurs and workers, forcing businesses to relocate to legal premises and causing potential income losses.
“However, these impacts need to be balanced with the implications borne by the state government and local community due to encroachment and unauthorised use of land,” he said.
“When the land is illegally occupied, the state government faces loss of revenue from land premiums, land taxes, development fees, licences and related fees that could have been collected.
“Unauthorised factory operations can also cause problems such as structural and fire safety, environmental pollution, traffic congestion, disruption to residential areas and development that is not in line with local authority planning.”
Ng said the affected areas could be reorganised in a more planned manner, following the demolition process.
“The redevelopment can be planned based on the suitability of land use, infrastructure needs, road access, safety, environment and economic potential of the area.
“The restructuring process by the PBT also allows the land to be used for more viable, legal and sustainable developments.”
In a supplementary question Muhammad Izuan Ahmad Kasim (PH-Kota Damansara) highlighted the need to instal hoarding or barriers at demolition sites to prevent illegal rubbish dumping.
“Following the demolition of illegal factories in my constituency by MBSA, some sites were used as dumping grounds for construction waste,” he said.
Ng said he would task MBSA and Petaling PDT to monitor those sites and have the barriers installed.
