DPM: We’re willing to help illegal farms

Jubilant celebration: Dr Wan Azizah (centre) at the 50th anniversary of Malaysia Polytechnic at Ungku Omar Poly­tech­nic in Ipoh. Looking on is Deputy Education Minister Teo Nie Ching (third from left). — Bernama

IPOH: The government is willing to help those affected by the demolition of illegal farms in Kuala Terla in Cameron Highlands without compromising on issues affecting the environment.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said whatever the outcome, it would be done in the interest of the people.

When asked if the government was willing to meet the farmers who sought a win-win solution after they were served eviction notices, Dr Wan Azizah, who is the Cameron Highlands Rehabilitation Joint Action Committee chairman, said the government wanted to help them, but it had to consider if the illegal farms were the cause of landslides in the area.

“We must look into all aspects and find ways to tackle the issues.

“It is very important that what we do must be done in the interest of the people,” she said after launching the 50th anniversary of Malaysia Polytechnic at Ungku Omar Poly­tech­nic here yesterday.

It was reported on March 21 that the affected farmers wanted to meet the Pahang state government for a solution after they were made to move.

But Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail was firm in his decision because of environmental concerns.

Since Feb 25, the state government has been carrying out an operation to demolish illegal farms over 121ha here.

During her speech, Dr Wan Azizah hoped the duplication of programmes among the Techni­cal and Vocational Education Train­ing institutions would be overcome.

She said the duplication involved its education system, certification, funding constraints and uncertainty over the fate of graduates.

“Thus with the setting of up of an empowerment committee, I am hoping for a positive impact,” she said.- Star