MB: Negeri gov’t in talks with settlers, landowners over Gatco tussle

The Negeri Sembilan government is still in the process of discussions with residents and landowners on the issue of land ownership in Kampung Serampang Indah (Gatco Estate).

Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Aminuddin Harun said he had asked the state exco and elected representatives to hold discussions with the parties concerned.

“The discussions are held because the state government does not have the right over the land as it is owned by individuals and a company.

“However, the state government is working with the landowners to resolve the issue,” he told reporters after officiating the 38th AGM of Koperasi Pekebun Kecil Negeri Sembilan Bhd today.

Asked how long the negotiation process would take, Aminuddin said the issue must be looked at comprehensively, and only through joint efforts or discussions can the demands of the residents be met.

Also present were the chairperson of the state Smallholders Cooperative Aliasak Ambia and director of the Negeri Sembilan Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (Risda) Mohd Jazlanuddin Azmi.

On June 1, 60 Gatco residents handed a memorandum to Aminuddin requesting him to resolve the land issue.

The dispute over the Gatco land began when the settlers were unhappy with the sale of the estate, and claimed there were discrepancies over the sale of land to Thamarai Holdings Sdn Bhd in 2007.

- Bernama