KUANTAN: It is high time the authorities show their commitment by acting on Sultan of Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah's call to curb foreigners from "monopolising" farmland in Cameron Highlands.
Non-governmental organisation Regional Environmental Awareness Cameron Highlands (Reach) president A. Dilip Martin said continuous large-scale inspections by federal and state enforcement agencies were necessary.
"There seems to be a lack of enforcement, causing foreigners to be 'relaxed'. Yes, inspections have been conducted, but they should be intensified and done more often. The police, Immigration Department, Labour Department and Environment Department should organise large-scale operations regularly," he said when contacted today.
"This is not the first time His Majesty has expressed concern about Cameron Highlands. I greatly appreciate the sultan's decree and hope that enforcement agencies will get on the ground to conduct checks and raids immediately.
"Enforcement operations should not be a one-off thing. There must be consistent follow-ups.
"There is no need for large announcements (of the raids), but they should be conducted regularly, perhaps on a monthly basis. A regular presence of enforcement agencies in the highlands will keep everyone on the alert."
Yesterday, Al-Sultan Abdullah expressed concern over farmland in the state being leased to foreigners. He cited plots in Cameron Highlands, originally leased to Malaysian farmers, which were being rented out to foreigners.
Dilip said strict enforcement operations were vital in Cameron Highlands to put an end to farmland being "colonised" by foreigners.
"Nothing much has changed since the last major enforcement operation in Cameron Highlands several years ago. Over the years, the number of foreigners has increased. They are not only involved in the farming industry, but are also being hired as drivers.
"I have raised several issues, including open burning in forest areas,at district level task force meetings, but little action has been taken. I hope the sultan's decree will serve as a clear call to the authorities to ensure strict monitoring on the ground."
He added that Reach was prepared to help government agencies expedite enforcement operations.
State Consumer Affairs and Human Resources Committee chairman Sim Chon Siang said he has instructed the Labour Department to conduct a probe on foreigners owning land in Cameron Highlands.
"The sultan has issued a decree, and I have instructed officers to look into the matter, as foreign manpower are only supposed to be hired only as farm workers. Officers are investigating the matter," he said.
"We will identify the locations and develop a plan to conduct inspections soon. Enforcement operations must be carried out discreetly. If they (foreigners) catch wind of any operation, they will flee, rendering the effort ineffective."
When asked about the possible locations of illegal farming activities, Sim said the Labour Department will work closely with the Immigration Department, which has detailed information about foreign workers, their locations and employers.
Over the past few months, Al-Sultan Abdullah had expressed concerns about Cameron Highlands, including instructing all hill-slope development projects to be monitored to prevent disasters.
In 2014, several enforcement agencies collaborated on a large-scale operation to expel illegal immigrants living in Cameron Highlands.
State Agriculture, Agro-based Industry, Biotechnology and Education Committee chairman Datuk Seri Ir Mohd Soffi Abd Razak has yet to respond for comments.