Rohingya Rent Betel Leaf Plantation from Retired Teacher for RM2,000 a Year; Site Seized Since Thursday – EXCO

KOTA BHARU: The Kelantan government has seized a betel leaf plantation believed to have been cultivated by members of the Rohingya community in Kampung Padang Guchil, Tanah Merah, since last Thursday.

Kelantan Local Government, Housing, Health and Environment Committee Chairman Hilmi Abdullah said the authorities had also seized a residential building under construction at the site, as it was suspected to have been built without the necessary permits.

He said investigations revealed that the land used by the Rohingya community for betel leaf cultivation had been rented from a local resident for RM2,000 a year.

The authorities had also recorded statements from the owners of the land and the residential property.

He said both owners were retired teachers who did not reside in the village.

“Following reports of a viral issue involving the rental of land owned by locals to the Rohingya community, we conducted preliminary investigations, with enforcement officers visiting the site last week.

“Inspections found structures and settlement activities on the land, which was being used for residential purposes and betel leaf cultivation.

“Based on the information obtained, the designated land-use conditions for the lots concerned are rubber cultivation and orchards.

“Therefore, we have ordered land-clearing activities at the plantation to stop as there is no planning permission for the plantation. We have also ordered construction of a building believed to be intended for storage purposes to cease,” he said.

Hilmi said four Rohingya individuals were present at the site during the inspection.

He said only one of them produced a United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) card, while the other three failed to provide any documents.

“Interviews revealed that they rented the land for RM2,000 a year, while the existing house they are occupying is rented for RM300 a month.

“Matters concerning the presence of Rohingya individuals do not fall under the jurisdiction of local authorities (PBT) or the Land Office. In this case, those are the only actions we can take.

“Enforcement matters involving the Rohingya community fall under the jurisdiction of the Immigration Department,” he said.

Earlier, the New Straits Times Press (NSTP) reported that a betel leaf plantation covering more than two hectares, allegedly cultivated by members of the Rohingya community in Kampung Padang Guchil over the past several years, had raised concerns among local residents.

It is understood that the plantation, which features systematically arranged wooden trellises, was rented from landowners residing outside Kelantan at rates ranging from RM600 to RM1,000 per hectare, before the harvested produce was sold to wholesalers.

Previously, the area resembled an abandoned forest, but it had been transformed into a betel leaf plantation over the past few years after being rented to the community.

More concerningly, residents claimed that the Rohingya population in the village, which began with approximately 15 people more than 10 years ago, had now increased to nearly 100.

BERITA HARIAN