Over 100 Residents Frustrated as Land Cultivated for Nearly 20 Years and Granted Titles Claimed to Be Forest Reserve Area

GUA MUSANG: More than 100 settlers at the KESEDAR Chalil Land Development Scheme (RKT) here are disappointed after the land they have cultivated for nearly 20 years was seized because it falls within a forest reserve area.

Residents claimed they were led to understand that the land belonged to the government and could be cultivated by residents, with some even having already obtained ownership titles.

In addition to residents, two companies have also opened plantations in the area and have harvested their crops several times.

Chairman of the Mukim Chalil Federal Village Development and Security Committee (JPKKP), Hasan Saleh, said they are extremely disappointed that the land was seized by the Forestry Office last Monday.

He said the land began to be cultivated by residents since 2008, planting oil palm and rubber, which serve as a source of income for the residents in the area.

“We were informed that the area was seized because it is still within a forest reserve area, whereas in 2008, based on a reference at the Gua Musang District Land Office (PTJGM), it was government land and could be granted titles upon payment of land premium.

“So far, 122 residents and two companies have been affected by this issue, and some of them already have titles.

“What we understand is that the process of obtaining a title is not easy and requires approval from various parties, so it is unlikely that title grants could be issued for land within a forest reserve area.

“We residents here hope for a transparent investigation into this issue because it involves the fruits of the residents’ labour who have cultivated the land for nearly 20 years,” he said when met at the KESEDAR Chalil RKT here.

Meanwhile, Hanipah Tahir, 65, said she was shocked when the rubber smallholding she had cultivated since 2008 was seized last Monday without prior notice.

She said the land, approximately four hectares in size and which she has held a title to for over 10 years, has now become a source of income for her family.

“I am baffled that land which already has a title could suddenly be claimed to be a forest reserve area, and we were informed that it would be revoked because it falls within a forest reserve.

“The issue now is, if it truly is a forest reserve area, why was the title approved in the first place, and why have so many residents already paid land premiums?” she said.

The meeting with the residents was also attended by former Paloh State Assemblyman (ADUN), Amran Arifin, who was present as a show of support for the residents.