26/04/2025

SATURDAY | APR 26, 2025

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Kg Sg Baru committee seeks govt inquiry into land status o If proven to be Malay agricultural settlement, area should be returned to residents, says group chairman

Probe into Sungai Bidor water pollution IPOH: The Perak Veterinary Services Department and the Environment Department have launched a probe into alleged pollution of Sungai Bidor. State Human Resources, Health, Indian Community Affairs and Integration Committee chairman A. Sivanesan said the agencies conducted an on-site check yesterday and collected water samples from strategic locations for laboratory analyses. “Samples were collected from a pig farm and a duck farm at Batu 2 1/2, Jalan Bruseh, near Bidor. Inspections revealed that the pig farm is in compliance with the required regulations. Effluent samples were taken from both the discharge end of the farm and the discharge pipe in the river area, and the samples have been sent for Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) testing. “A probe into the duck farm revealed that it does not use ponds for rearing ducks. Therefore, no pond wastewater is being discharged into the river,” he said at a press conference with state Science, Environment, and Green Technology Committee chairman Teh Kok Lim at the Perak Darul Ridzuan Building on Thursday. On Wednesday, PAS vice-president Datuk Idris Ahmad urged the state government to investigate a pig farm in Kampung Poh, which he claims contributes to pollution in Sungai Bidor. Sivanesan said the analyses results are expected next week, as specified under the Pig Farming Control Enactment 1992. “Based on sampling records conducted in 2024 and in January, the BOD readings for the farm in question complied with the minimum permitted level. Wastewater discharge should not exceed 50ppm. – Bernama Terengganu to ban sale of vape products KUALA TERENGGANU: The Terengganu government will ban the sale of electronic cigarette (vape) products at all premises throughout the state beginning Aug 1. State Local Government, Housing and Health Committee chairman Datuk Wan Sukairi Wan Abdullah said the decision, made at the state executive councillors meeting on Wednesday , was a proactive measure to curb the sale and use of vape products, which may have negative health effects on the younger generation. “Among the agreed decisions is that the state government will maintain its existing policy of not approving a business licence for any premises selling vape products, in line with the by-laws in effect across all local authority areas in Terengganu. “Business licence conditions will also be refined to ensure the vape sales ban can be fully enforced,” he said in a statement on Thursday. Wan Sukairi added that any vape business operators who continue selling after the ban takes effect will face strict action under the Local Government Act 1976 bylaws, including fines, seizures and court action. To demonstrate commitment and firmness, the state has also decided not to accept any form of sponsorship from vape manufacturers or distributors for any events involving the state government, he said. “A three-month grace from May 1 to July 31 will be provided before full enforcement begins on Aug 1, including actions related to vape business advertisements. “To support affected vape operators, the state, through the Entrepreneur Development Foundation, will offer participation in entrepreneurship courses as well as other business opportunities in more sustainable and safer sectors,” he said. – Bernama

Surendran said the group learnt about the Kampung Sungai Baru MAS status last year. “This is shocking as by then, the land had already been taken over,” said Surendran, who is former Padang Serai MP. Zaid said Section 3(1)(c) of the Land Acquisition Act 1960 is unconstitutional and should be abolished, adding that the existing law failed to protect the interests of landowners. The Kampung Sungai Baru land acquisition, which was completed in August 2023, was done in accordance with the Land Acquisition Act 1960, involving 110 units that included 37 terrace house lots, 72 flat units and one TNB electricity substation lot. The residents received compensation between February 2022 and January 2023 from the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur Land and Mines Office. However, some of the residents held a demonstration opposing the low rate of compensation that was proposed by the developer Ritzy Gloss Sdn Bhd, which was RM450 per square foot.

Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

carried out at Kampung Sungai Baru to be halted, pending the inquiry. Should the result prove that the land is classified as MAS, the group demands that the developer return it to the residents. “Any future development should involve the Kampung Sungai Baru residents. “The government must initiate necessary negotiations with the developer on behalf of the residents. “Failing to do so, we (the Kampung Sungai Baru residents) will hold a demonstration at the Federal Territory Ministry on May 7 to demand justice,” she said. The group also demands the government to outright repeal Section 3(1)(c) of the Land Acquisition Act 1960 in the Parliament session scheduled in June.

PETALING JAYA: The Kampung Sungai Baru Residents Right Action Committee has urged the government to carry out an inquiry to determine the land status of the area, and whether it should be recognised as a Malay agricultural settlement (MAS). Group chairman Zainab Alias said the inquiry should be carried out in accordance with Chapter 4 of the National Land Code. “This is because all documents and an official map indicate that this land is a Malay agricultural settlement,” Zainab said at the Lawyers for Liberty office here yesterday. Also present were lawyers for the group N. Surendran and Zaid Malik. Zainab also called for all work being

Zainab with Surendran showing the

map indicating the land to be a MAS area. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

Sarawak to boost Asean connectivity with AirBorneo KUCHING: Sarawak’s own airline, AirBorneo, which is scheduled to commence operations next year, carries the state’s aspiration to enhance regional connectivity among Asean nations, said Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Abang Openg. deputy Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan. Abang Johari also said the commitment to enhance air connectivity would make travelling and doing business with major and capital cities across Asean faster and easier. Darussalam and Kalimantan, Indonesia, open doors for cross-border economic development through strategic initiatives.

“The relocation of Indonesia’s capital city to Kalimantan will generate significant economic spillover effects for Borneo Island, creating new opportunities for investment, trade and infrastructure development,” he said. The dinner was also attended by Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing and Asean secretary-general Dr Kao Kim Hourn. The ongoing ASCC Council Meeting is a biannual ministerial-level gathering focused on addressing key socio-cultural issues across the Asean region. This year’s meeting, from April 22 to 26, welcomed representatives from all 11 Asean nations, namely Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Timor-Leste. – Bernama

He said the development of a new international airport, and a deep-sea port in Tanjung Embang, Kota Samarahan, would transform Sarawak into a regional aviation and marine hub. This will improve air and sea connectivity while increasing the state’s appeal to the business community, investors and tourists, he added. Abang Johari said Sarawak could also play a vital role in strengthening the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area, which is a subregional initiative to complement Asean’s broader economic integration agenda. “Our shared land borders with Brunei

He said the move to run its own airline is one of the state’s efforts to strengthen regional collaboration with fellow Asean members, particularly to boost trade, investment and tourism by leveraging its strategic location, abundant resources and cultural ties to drive regional growth and uplift livelihoods. “In line with our aspirations for regional connectivity, Sarawak is proud to announce the upcoming launch of our airline, AirBorneo, scheduled to commence operations in 2026,” he said in his speech at the 33rd Asean Socio Cultural Community (ASCC) Council Meeting gala dinner on Thursday. The text of the speech was read out by his