The Perak state government has stated its commitment to resolving the issues faced by farmers who were farming illegally at the Silver Valley Technology Park (SVTP) project site, which is owned by the State Development Corporation Perak (PKNP).
In a statement issued by the Perak Mentri Besar’s office, a spokesperson said, “This issue has been ongoing for over 11 years. Through PKNP, the state government has offered alternative sites at Changkat Kinding, which has been gazetted as an agricultural zone, and it also involves the cooperation of the State Agriculture Development Corporation (SADC).”
The spokesperson further mentioned, “The state government has invested over RM700,000 in preparing infrastructures and terracing works for plantation purposes and water supply facilities at the alternative site. A visit to Changkat Kinding was conducted in May 2021 with the farmers, but only a small group accepted the offer.”
Addressing allegations of persecution and forced eviction, the spokesperson clarified, “The land clearing process has been carried out in accordance with legal procedures. The state government is confident that the issue can be resolved while adhering to the principles and rule of law.”
Highlighting the significance of the SVTP project, the spokesperson emphasized, “Once realized, it would provide thousands of job opportunities for the people and create new business prospects.”
On Tuesday (Oct 24), a group of farmers, along with Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) leaders and activists, attempted to halt the eviction process in Kanthan, near Tambun. As a result, PSM chairman Dr D. Michael Jeyakumar and three others were arrested.
Prior to this, on Oct 19, it was reported that over 130 farmers in Kanthan expressed concerns about their livelihoods after being instructed to vacate their farms. They had submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at his Tambun parliamentary service center in Meru.
