PKNPK OFFERS ALTERNATIVE AGRICULTURAL LAND AMID ENCROACHMENT ISSUES IN PERAK

IPOH, June 30 (Bernama) -- The Perak State Development Corporation (PKNPk) continuos to conduct encroachment eviction processes at the Silver Valley Technology Park (SVTP) here in accordance with legal processes and regulations to safeguard the rights and interests of all parties.

In a statement today, PKNPk stated that as the agency entrusted with spearheading economic development and socio-economic growth in Perak, the corporation is enhancing security control at the 3,088-acre (1,249.6693-hectare) SVTP area in Kanthan, Chemor nearby.

PKNPk stated that the area is an industrial zone under the National Physical Plan (NPP) 4, emphasising compliance with environmental, social and governance (ESG) concepts and green technology elements.

As the lawful landowner, PKNPk noted it was taking measures to prevent continuous encroachment on its property.

"In this regard, the steps taken yesterday (June 29) was aimed at focusing on the development of the SVTP project which is expected to create up to 13,000 job opportunities for local residents," according to the statement.

PKNPk emphasised the importance of the corporation as the main driver of Perak's economy in realising high-impact projects such as the development of the SVTP project, expected to catalyse positive development in the state, particularly in the city of Ipoh.

The statement further noted that the planned development will generate opportunities for highly skilled employment and create business prospects that will undoubtedly strengthen Perak's economy and benefit thousands of local residents.

PKNPk explained that the steps to halt continuous encroachment was crucial to maintaining harmony in the state’s development while preserving the environment and ensuring fairness in land resource utilisation.

"However, at the discretion of PKNPk, encroachers may apply for permission to enter and remove their crops or assets within a specified period," said PKNPk.

Therefore, PKNPk reiterated that since 2021, the corporation has engaged in several consultation sessions and also offered alternative land in Changkat Kinding, which has been designated as an agricultural zone.

PKNPk also informed that the agricultural land in Changkat Kinding here is a joint effort between PKNPk, the Perak State Agricultural Development Corporation (SADC), and the state government, but encroachers have been reluctant to accept PKNPk's offer.

"If the encroachers agree to sign a lease agreement for the alternative land provided in Changkat Kinding, the agreement will be registered to allow them to freely engage in their farming activities throughout the lease period," said the statement.

Therefore, PKNPk once again reaffirmed its position and assurance that they are always open to discussions with the encroachers involved in the operation to relocate to Changkat Kinding.

PKNPk stated that they were committed to fulfilling their mandate as the leader in economic development and socio-economic growth in Perak, while ensuring proper land use practices, planning procedures and upholding legal sovereignty.

-- BERNAMA