Reconsider decision to evict pomelo growers

IT is regretful to read of the eviction notice given to two-thirds of the members of the Tambun Pomelo Growers Association (“Pomelo growers told to move” – The Star, July 16). 

The pomelo farmers have tilled the land for more than 50 years with great distinction, and creating the name “Tambun Pomelo”, which many travellers would not fail to stop to buy. 

It was reported that for 20 years the growers have tried to resolve the issue of their land titles but were unsuccessful.  

The state government thought it wise to develop 81ha of pomelo orchard land out of the 121ha which the growers are currently occupying.  

While the Ministry of Agriculture is taking serious and diligent steps to promote agriculture and to assist farmers to be self-sufficient, Perak thought otherwise. It is time we lend a helping hand to farmers and growers instead of chasing them out in the name of development.  

In recent years, we saw the demise of some famous fruits grown in different parts of our blessed land.  

One of them was the starfruit growers in Seri Kembangan, which at one time was noted for growing the sweetest starfruit in Malaysia. What we see today are “blocks of concrete jungle” in place of starfruit trees.  

Apparently, certain fruits can grow and thrive miraculously well in certain areas and Tambun pomelo is one of them that grows well in Tambun.  

I urge the powers-that-be to reconsider their decision to evict the pomelo growers, and to give any assistance that would enhance and promote Tambun pomelo both nationally and internationally. 

 

DR TAN ENG BEE, 

Kajang, Selangor.