Panel tasked to oversee squatter issues in Johor

JOHOR BARU: A special committee has been formed to look into squatter issues in Johor to ensure there is no land trespassing, says Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor.

“We know there are squatter areas in Johor built on land belonging to the state, Federal Government or Irrigation and Drainage Department, or privately owned.

“We also know that some of the locally owned houses in these squatter areas are being rented out to foreigners in large numbers,” the state housing and local government committee chairman said yesterday.

Mohd Jafni added that he was tasked by Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi to look into the issue of squatters.

Previously, he said, it was under the purview of the respective district Land Office but a proper solution was needed to resolve the issue.

On the committee set up to handle the issue, Mohd Jafni, who is also Bukit Permai assemblyman, said it would consist of various agencies including the police and Tenaga Nasional Bhd.

“We will replace the squatter house with a People’s Housing Project (PPR) unit if the person is a local before demolishing it.

“If foreigners are found to be occupying a squatter area, we will demolish it as trespassing has been committed,” he said, adding that employers of these foreigners should be more responsible and place them at foreign workers’ dormitories.

Meanwhile, Johor Indian Business Association president P. Sivakumar urged the government, especially local councils and Immigration Department, to look into foreign-owned businesses around the state.

He added that besides setting up illegal settlements, foreigners were also brazenly opening and running businesses such as restaurants, car wash services and sundry shops to cater for their countrymen.

“Some of these foreign-owned businesses are using locals as a front to get their licence approved from local councils. This must stop.

“Checks should be conducted on such businesses and action be taken against them and locals who allowed their names to be used,” he said.