‘Taking land from the local farmers, is a mistake'– PSM chairman

SHAH ALAM - In a controversial land dispute in Perak, Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) chairman Dr Michael Jeyakumar Devaraj has strongly slammed the actions taken by Perak authorities, highlighting concerns related to food security and the well-being of local farmers.

Yesterday, reports emerged that three activists from PSM, including Jeyakumar, along with a farmer, were arrested while attempting to prevent the eviction of farmers in Kanthan, Tambun.

In addition to Jeyakumar, PSM committee member R. Karthiges, Perak PSM Youth member P. Kesavan, and a farmer identified as Ho Pon Tien were among those arrested.

"Approximately a week ago, the Perak State Development Corporation (PKNP) issued eviction notices to the farmers, granting them only one week to vacate their land in preparation for a development project.

"Consequently, PSM appealed to PKNP for an extension, emphasising the need for farmers to have more time to complete their harvest,” the former Sungai Siput MP told Sinar Daily.

He added that the farmers had previously been promised alternative land to replace their current plots, but these promises have not been fulfilled.

"For the past six years, we've been striving to assist them. We believe that the Perak state government has made a significant mistake by converting substantial farming land into housing and industrial areas.

“Yesterday, we attempted to block the bulldozer, but we were apprehended,” he said.

Jeyakumar also shed light on the fact that this incident primarily affected not only six farmers but also 200 farmers.

"This happened in the Tambun region, where this is Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's place (Anwar, who is also the Tambun MP)," he said.

In the Tambun region, he added that approximately 200 farmers face similar threats, collectively occupying 2,000 hectares of land and producing an estimated 80 tonnes of vegetables and fruits daily.

On top of that, he stressed that this region plays a vital role in the local food supply, producing fruits, vegetables, and fish for the local population.

"This area is crucial for providing fruits, vegetables, and fish for the local population. However, the authorities have taken the wrong approach by prioritising quick profits through selling land to developers.

"In doing so, they are jeopardising food security, making a grave mistake that we, at PSM, are striving to rectify,” he added.

Jeyakumar also stressed that authorities should have resolved these issues, including providing replacement land and finalising necessary agreements, before proceeding with the eviction.

Despite these appeals, the development project proceeded, leading to PSM's intervention efforts.

Jeyakumar added that the incident involved farmers, PSM activists, as well as authorities from the Perak Land and Mines Office (PTG), PKNP, and the police.

"The authorities claim that they were acting on instructions from Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.

“However, the Menteri Besar was in Kuala Lumpur, making him uncontactable at the time. We are presently attempting to reach all parties involved,” he said.

Jeyakumar expressed his hope that authorities would designate permanent land for food production in these areas, as they are not meant for housing or industrial purposes.