IPOH: The state government today revealed that unauthorised agricultural operators on Perak Menteri Besar Corporation (MB Inc) land in Pasir Panjang Ulu sub-district were demanding compensation of RM100,000 for 0.4ha for them to leave the cultivated field.
Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said that however, MB Inc only agreed to give an ex-gratia payment of RM2,000 for 0.4ha to the operators without permission on the 324.15ha of land in question.
Saarani emphasised that the state government did not persecute or forcibly evict them, rather it was done in accordance with the legal process.
"MB Inc has held a series of direct negotiations with the entrepreneurs since 2021 and has offered ex-gratia at a reasonable rate. I know they demand a price of RM100,000 per acre (0.4 hectare).
"That is very unfair to MB Inc because the landlord has to pay while they (settlers) did not pay the landlord before. When we want our land back, we have to pay RM100,000 per acre and we cannot fulfil that demand," he said.
Saarani told reporters this after attending Meet the Customers Day at Stadium Indera Mulia here, today.
Commenting on MB Inc S land clearing operations, Saarani said the first phase operation was carried out on Dec 29 last year, involving a small part of the palm plantation area of 8.09ha.
He said the area in question was part of MB Inc.'s entire mining lease land covering an area of 324.15ha located in the area of Pasir Panjang Ulu sub-district, Perak Tengah district and Kampung Gajah.
"This operation was carried out because the area involved will be developed as a tin mining project which is believed to still have mineral potential that can be explored at the same time as new revenue that contributes to the state government.
"It is crucial for MB Inc. as a GLC that is responsible as the state's mineral mover, to develop this area and carry out mining activities promptly and responsibly.
"The state government is always committed to taking a prudent approach in solving issues related to entrepreneurs without permission to carry out agricultural, animal husbandry and fishing activities on government land or state GLCs," he added.
It was reported by Harian Metro on Dec 30 last year, that more than 100 settlers of former tin mine land in Kampung Tersusun Air Kuning, Kampung Gajah here protested the state government's action to allow the exploration of the area for new mining activities.
Kampung Tersun Air Kuning Action Committee chairman Shuhaini Abdul Shukor, 46, said the mining activity also brought negative impacts on the farmers, inland fishermen and the Orang Asli of Kampung Chenderong Kelubi who make a living in the former mine.