Thirty-four former workers of Kamiri Estate and Changkat Salak Estate in Sungai Siput, Perak, have been officially granted free land lots, marking the end of a decades-long struggle for compensation following their retrenchment 25 years ago.
In a Facebook post, PSM, which has been championing the workers’ cause, said the recipients received their 5A notices yesterday.
A 5A notice is a preliminary approval under the National Land Code that confirms the state government’s decision to allocate land to an applicant, subject to conditions.
"This achievement is the result of efforts led by PSM and the Estate Workers Support Committee in pushing for a housing scheme or free lot scheme.
"Their former employer, SD Guthrie, financed the infrastructure costs, while the Perak state government allocated the land," PSM said.
Reflecting on the struggles to get the plots of land, PSM said the workers had endured numerous struggles and obstacles, including being dragged to court, evicted by police, and having their water and electricity supplies cut off.
PSM also accused "BN political thugs" of threatening the workers, and claimed that they were also cheated by government contractors, forcing the workers to stage a sit-in protest outside the then chief minister’s office to demand their lots.
"Today’s victory is a testament to the determination and faith of these 34 former workers in people power, as well as the leadership of PSM and the committee," PSM added. - Mkini
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