IPOH: A high number of farmers in Perak are unable to obtain legal documents for their farms due to poor policies implemented by the state government, according to Dr D. Michael Jeyakumar. The chairman of Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) stated that these farmers have applied for grants, leases, and temporary occupancy licenses without any success. Despite their willingness to pay rent or quit rent, their efforts have been in vain. Apart from six farmers whose farmlands were destroyed on October 24 and 25, another 200 farmers in Tambun are at risk of eviction as their lands have been transferred to developers or government-linked companies. Dr Jeyakumar criticized the state government for not implementing efficient land policies over the past two decades, leaving the farmers vulnerable to eviction.
Dr Jeyakumar expressed concerns that without assistance from the government, the farmers’ defense of their farms would be futile and they would soon be forced to leave. In a recent incident, a group of farmers, along with PSM leaders and activists, attempted to halt an eviction process in Kanthan near Tambun. Dr Jeyakumar and three others were subsequently arrested following the incident. This follows an earlier report on October 19, highlighting the worries of over 130 farmers in Kanthan who were ordered to vacate their farms.
In response, a spokesperson from the office of the Perak Mentri Besar assured that the state government is committed to resolving the issue. However, the current situation suggests a lack of progress in addressing the concerns of the farmers.
It is crucial for the Perak state government to review and rectify its policies to ensure that farmers can obtain the necessary legal documents for their farmlands. Without proper documentation, these farmers face the risk of eviction and potential loss of their livelihoods. Moreover, this situation highlights the need to implement smart land policies that protect agriculture and prioritize the welfare of farmers.
The incident in Kanthan and the subsequent arrests raise concerns about the state government’s approach to addressing the farmers’ plight. Instead of criminalizing their attempts to protect their farms, the government should engage in meaningful dialogue and collaboration with them to find a sustainable solution. Farmers play a vital role in ensuring food security and contributing to the agricultural sector, and their rights and interests should be respected and protected.
Overall, there is an urgent need for the Perak state government to address the grievances of the farmers and provide them with the support and assistance they require. This includes expediting the granting of legal documents for their farms and preventing further evictions. By prioritizing the well-being of farmers and implementing effective land policies, Perak can foster a thriving agricultural sector and ensure the sustainability of farming communities.
