IPOH: The land clearing activities at the Kledang Saiong range was done illegally to plant oil palm trees, says Menteri Besar Inc (MB Inc) chief executive officer Anuar Zainal Abidin.
He said action will be taken against those behind it, adding that the land clearing was carried out on state-owned land by irresponsible parties who tried to challenge the reputation of Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu.
“Ahmad Faizal had recently said the state will set up a special committee to address issues of squatters, illegal farms and occupation of government land.
“Based on our visit to the area, we saw a few small oil palm trees planted on the hillside by the settlers,” said Anuar in a statement on Thursday (Feb 7).
Joining him on his visit were Perak Forestry Department director DatukMohamed Zin Yusop, officers from the state Land and Mines Office (PTG) and the police.
On Feb 6, 9.95ha of hills at Kledang Saiong were found to have been cleared for an unknown project.
The clearing has raised concerns of the public and non-governmental organisations about the condition of the hills.
Anuar said MB Inc has planned to develop the area for public residences and to prevent any illegal occupations on state land.
“Our last visit to the area was on Jan 19 and there were no illegal occupation activities then.
“The PTG has ask that the land clearing activities be stopped immediately,” he said.
“An investigation has started and action will be taken against those who are involved in this illegal land-clearing activity,” he added.
