BN blamed over RM20mil losses from land deal

A Selangor exco member has blamed the former BN state government for Selangor Agricultural Development Corporation (PKPS) for an estimated RM20 million loss over a controversial 2007 sale of agricultural land.

The 12,000 acre piece of land in Miri, Sarawak was sold at a low price of RM8,082 per acre.

“This decision (the selling price) was erroneous and I believe there are individuals who have taken advantage of this matter,” said Selangor exco member for agriculture Yaakob Sapari in a statement today.

“Agriculture Minister Noh Omar should blame the Barisan Nasional (state government) for selling the land at such a low price,” he said.

Yaakob said the present Pakatan state government had made every effort to block the sale but was frustrated by the courts.

“The court sided with the buyer (of the land) because the sales documents were signed by PKPS under the previous state government,” said Yaakob.

The Pakatan exco said in contrast, that PKPS’ new administration has been making steady profits in the management of agricultural lands.

The GLC is one three that is currently under a probe by the Select Committee for Competency, Accountability and Transparency (Selcat) for alleged mismanagement of funds.

The Auditor-General's Report 2010 also noted that one of its subsidiaries, PKPS Agro Industries Sdn Bhd (PAISB), had not managed Selangor Wholesale Market in Seri Kembangan well.