Family in Pengerang commits suicide

Gabungan NGO Pengerang says family was under tremendous pressure after receiving a land acquisition notice.

PETALING JAYA: Three members of a family in Pengerang, Johor, unable to cope with the loss of their home, committed suicide by inhaling charcoal smoke in an enclosed room yesterday.

The family had received a notice informing them their home was being acquired for the controversial RM60 billion Petronas’s Refinery and Petrochemicals Development project.

They were told that they would receive only RM20,000 in compensation as the land on which their house was on was owned by another.

Gabungan NGO Pengerang, a grassroots group opposing the oil plant, said the man sought help from the ruling political party, and had informed the party he wished to commit suicide.

The group’s treasurer, Chua Peng Sin, said the man, by name of Pang, suffered financial difficulties as he was earning a living helping out at a restaurant.

He was forced to quit his job to care for his wife, who had suffered a stroke, and their child, who was diagnosed to be mentally disabled.

“We are saddened with what that has happened. The government must take note and if the related parties are still adamant in going on with this project, it would not come as a surprise if more tragedies to occur in Pengerang,” said Chua.

Solidariti Anak Muda Malaysia (SAMM) added that the family was found dead because they could not take the strain of life after being driven out from their home where they have lived for a long time.

SAMM chairman Badrul Hisham Shahrin or better known as CheguBard said the incident should be viewed seriously and urged people not to resort to desperate measures.

According to reports, the state government has already invoked compulsory land acquisition under Section 8 of the Land Acquisition Act 1960 to resettle seven villages occupying the 6,424-acre space earmarked for Petronas project.