IPOH: The High Court in Bidor Coldstream has granted a consent order allowing a group of farmers to return to a piece of land they have been working on for decades. The order was granted by Judicial Commissioner Bhupindar Singh Gurcharan Singh Preet on Friday (Sept 22) in chambers. Ng Kian Nam, counsel representing the farmers, stated that the order was granted with the consent of the plaintiff, Bikam Maju Sdn Bhd.
In the order, it is specified that the 18 farmers, represented by Ng’s firm, are permitted to intervene as defendants in the case. The plaintiff had requested a summary possession of the 67.2 hectares (166 acres) of land. The order also sets aside the summary possession order obtained by the plaintiff on Aug 8, allowing the farmers to present their defense in the case.
Ng explained, “This means, starting today, the representative of the plaintiff no longer has the right to enter the land to collect crops or livestock from the settlers. The settlers can also resume their usual activities of tending to their crops or livestock.” Melvin Kong from Ng’s firm appeared in court on behalf of the farmers.
Ng further revealed that on Aug 24, about 10 individuals appointed by the plaintiff had entered the disputed land to evict the farmers and were collecting their crops and livestock based on the court order they had obtained. However, Ng argued that the plaintiff had violated court rules by failing to serve the application to the farmers, who have been working on the land for three generations.
Meanwhile, Jasbeer Singh, a spokesman for the farmers, expressed relief upon hearing the news that they would be able to return to their farms. He extended gratitude to their lawyers for their assistance and stated, “We are glad we can tend our farms again finally.”
Credit: The Star : News Feed
