Problems Of Abandoned Lands, Projects And Residents' Discomfort In Housing Areas Not New

ACCORDING to the Department of Agriculture Malaysia, in 2012 a total of 97,275.19 hectares of land in 2,107 locations have been identified in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak by the Department of Agriculture, Land and District Office.

This information changes from time to time in accordance with the increase of newly identified areas and the decrease of developed areas.

The question is, are the abandoned lands uninhabited or undeveloped, and will it affect the surrounding people if it is located in a housing area?Pic:mD

Unfortunately, this happened at Taman Koperasi LLN, Sungai Chua Kajang. Malaysian Digest highlighted the issue (Nov 5) on unmanaged lands and the activity of a chop shop. It is unclear of the shop's status and this has affected the surrounding residents.

In fact, there are rumours to build a multi-level parking lot in that area since a year ago.

mD tries to get an explanation from certain parties on this issue, given that it took a long time and is considered as "outstanding issues".

Denied Receiving Complaints

mD contacted PAS politician Hj. Mohd Shafie Ngah, who is also a member of the Bangi Legislative Assembly (ADUN), after residents claimed that the assemblyman has visited the area and is aware of the problem.

However, the assemblyman denied ever receiving any complaints.

"We have not received any complaints from residents regarding this issue," said Mohd Shafie.

SHAFIE:We have not received any complaints from residents regarding this issueHowever, he said they visited the area on some developed project being carried out including the issue on garbage in the area.

When asked whether he knows of the previous claims, he said they have asked the Kajang Municipal Council (MPkj) to take investigate if the development being done is in accordance.

"Complaints have been made since I became a council member. If the activities violate the rules and procedures, MPKJ will take action", he said.

He added that he had asked a MPkj officer to investigate and monitor the area. However, the problem is still unresolved.

When questioned on why is the issue remains unresolved, he said the residents need to know the owner of the land and also submit clear complaints. Mohd Shafie also said that there must be cooperation between MPKJ and the Land Office.

He also said complaints can be made by contacting the 03-8970 0511 number or via his direct email, atshafie.ngah@selangor.gov.my 

MPkj On Unknown Ownerships And Written Complaints

"This is a long-standing problem. MPkj has brought this up with the Hulu Langat Land Office but there was no reply", said the assistant director of Corporate Planning & Public Relations Kamarul Izlan Sulaiman.

He added that, to overcome this problem, the MPKJ need to check and make sure whether the land is owned by individuals or developers.

"We never knew the owner of the land therefore no summons can be issued", he told mD.

However, MPKJ plans to do checkups at Sg. Chua, because of the increase in dengue cases in Selangor.

NARAYANAN:This (issue) has been around ever since I first took over the area in 2008-2009, and is still unresolved.mD also contacted Narayanan, the MPkj officer who knew about this issue and was asked to take action.

"This (issue) has been around ever since I first took over the area in 2008-2009, and is still unresolved.

"The main reason is because we cannot identify the owners. Any complaints made must be provided with the complaint number including a written copy.

"We are worried that people just complain verbally without any evidence this makes it difficult for MPkj to take action".

"If there were complaints and the officer in charge did not do anything, he will be interrogated by the council members," said Narayanan, who is also a council member for Sg. Jelok and Bandar Kajang.

The Land May Be Transferred

Landowners generally thought that as long as they continue to pay annual tax (quit rent) and not use the land, there is no risk of their land being confiscated by the State Council (PBN).

Many do not know that, to leave the land undeveloped is an offence as stated in section 115, 116 and 117 of the National Land Code.

Narayanan said if the landowner fails to develop the land within three years, the state government can take back the land.

According to the National Land Code (NLC), under s. 115, it is an offense if owners of agricultural land did not develop their land in 12 months (a year) and complete the work in 3 years.

Under s. 116, it is an offense if landowners (of building land) did not build any building (as permitted by law) in two years.

Under s. 117, it is an offense if owners of industrial lands fail to start any work in 3 years.

In conclusion, any piece of land (regardless of the category of use) remained undeveloped, it has breached the stated condition and State Assembly will take actions to confiscate the land.Pic:mD

In Sg. Chua's case, he said the residents' discomfort caused by the cutting activities, non-strategic project management and undeveloped land can be rectified.

"In my opinion, without the support and decisive action from all sides, this problem cannot be solved.

"The main thing is, to leave any land undeveloped (unmanaged or not cultivated) in the stated period of time (as detailed in section 115, 116 and 117 is an offense.

"If it is not resolved even though the owner was issued a notice by the state authorities, the provision stated in NLC mentioned that State Authority may/can confiscate the land", he stressed.