6,000ha of illegally exploited state land given temporary OK

 

A Terengganu state executive councillor says temporary approval has been given to “legitimise” the land use. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: Nearly 6,000 hectares of land belonging to the Terengganu government have been illegally exploited in Setiu and Dungun since 2018.

State agriculture, agro-based industry, and rural development executive councillor Dr Azman Ibrahim said over 200 settlers were given temporary approval to farm 3,000 hectares of land in Setiu.

Dr Azman Ibrahim.

He said this land was meant for the farming of cash crops and oil palm, according to Astro Awani.

“We are taking a harmonious approach in resolving this issue, based on several justifications. Firstly, it’s not very wise to destroy these crops or farms that are being worked on by the people.

“At the same time, we see that these lands have already produced something. We just need to legitimise it since it was explored illegally,” he said.

Azman said Setiu had become a pilot project for cash crops, in explaining the temporary approval given to the settlers. - FMT