Former Sungai Buloh MP R Sivarasa has urged state governments to seek better solutions regarding disputes with farmers who have occupied their land for an extended period.
He told Malaysiakini that beyond mere compensation, the solution might be to allow farmers to continue occupying the land or receive alternative lands.
He acknowledged that each case is unique and emphasised the importance of recognising longstanding occupants, particularly farmers who produce food for local consumption and export.
Urging for mutually acceptable solutions, the former deputy rural development minister pointed to the Perak and Pahang state governments as examples of where immediate action should be taken.
“Don’t just use the state power under the National Land Code and bulldoze,” he lamented.
Earlier on X, he quoted a post by former minister Zaid Ibrahim, who talked about the fate of durian farmers in Raub, Pahang.
In his post, Sivarasa said the case favoured the farmers who should be compensated fairly, but unfortunately, the state government moved for eviction.
“This is a tragedy and unjust. (It) should have been mediated and resolved,” he said.
Putrajaya should step in
Sivarasa, a former PKR vice-president, criticised state governments for not being interested in providing fair compensation to farmers.
He observed a pattern where some states rendered land to other parties despite knowing about the long-standing occupation by farmers.
According to him, disputes between long-time occupants of state-owned land in Selangor were often resolved through mediation, resulting in acceptable settlements.
Sivarasa also said the federal government should step in despite land issues falling under the state government’s jurisdiction.
“The federal government should step in by bringing all parties to find a solution,” he added.
He added that the solution could incorporate several elements such as allowing farmers to stay on the land, having a share in the land, or providing compensation.
On Wednesday, the Kuantan High Court dismissed an attempt by 204 Raub durian farmers to seek a judicial review of the Pahang state government’s attempt to evict them.
Judge Mohd Radzi Harun delivered the verdict, and the court also ruled that the applicants must pay RM100,000 to each respondent involved in the case. - Mkini
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