Latest news with #NationalLandCode1965
The Star
4 days ago
- General
- The Star
‘Illegal dump beside substation worrying'
The dumpsite located next to the TNB main substation (right) and Bukit Jalil Highway. — Photos: LOW LAY PHON/The Star AN illegal dumpsite along Bukit Jalil Highway is raising concerns as it is located next to a Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) main substation. Bukit Jalil Fire and Rescue Station chief Mohd Azhar Harun said the site's close proximity to TNB cables and pylons was worrying. 'If a fire breaks out at the dumpsite, it might spread next door and turn into an electrical fire which is more dangerous and difficult to extinguish. 'Unlike conventional fire-fighting methods, we will need to use foam to put out the fire if nearby electrical components are affected. 'Furthermore, there is also no water source around the area,' he told StarMetro. Mohd Azhar said he had also received complaints from firefighters about mosquitoes in the vicinity. 'Our quarters are located in between the fire and rescue station and the dumping site. Mohd Azhar says complaints to the authorities about the illegal dumpsite have not been acted on. 'From there, we can see that rubbish is being dumped behind, which is very near to a river tributary,' he said. From the top floor of the 10-storey quarters, StarMetro saw piles of rubbish stacked up. Another pile was scattered behind, next to the river. According to firefighters at the station, lorries could be seen dumping rubbish while some vehicles were spotted collecting the rubbish. Mohd Azhar said he had highlighted the matter to Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), the Environment Department (DOE), and Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur Lands and Mines Office (PTGWP) since last year but not much had been done. A letter from PTGWP dated March 11, to the Fire and Rescue Department Station chief, stated an investigation on March 6 determined the dumpsite was operating illegally. It also stated an eviction notice was issued to the owner on Sept 11, 2024, for occupying state land unlawfully under Section 425(1) of the National Land Code 1965. When contacted, PTGWP reiterated the site had been issued an eviction notice. However, no enforcement action had been taken since. DBKL in a letter on March 25 said no investigations were conducted as they could not find the precise location of the dumpsite. StarMetro had reached out to DBKL several times for comments but had received no response at press time.
New Straits Times
22-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Nothing to be ashamed of, says Chow on Penang's land strategy
GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government has firmly denied allegations that it is selling state land to address financial needs, clarifying that its land disposal practices are guided by national legislation and focused on strategic development. In his winding-up speech at the state legislative assembly sitting this afternoon, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said that technically, no land was sold. Instead, he said, land disposal was carried out through legal mechanisms such as leasing, alienation, or other methods permitted under the National Land Code 1965. "The term 'land sale' does not apply in the context of state land administration. Its aim is not merely to generate revenue but to promote socio-economic development and job creation in the local community. "We do not have mines or a logging industry. "Without these as streams of revenue, we have to rely on what we have, land and reclamation to create more land. "What is there to be ashamed of about the state disposing of its land for revenue for the sake of development? Penang has always relied on this formula for the past five decades, so there is nothing to be ashamed of. "If Penang had not used this formula to start the Free Industrial Zone in the past, it would not be what it is today," he said. Chow said Penang could not always hope for handouts from the federal government, especially when the federal government was also facing its own financial challenges. Land valuations are carried out based on current market rates provided by the Valuation and Property Services Department, and for strategic projects such as housing developments, the government employs a Request for Proposal (RFP) approach. This enables the state to secure premium returns that may exceed current land valuations, while ensuring developments serve the public interest. Chow said this method of land disposal does not diminish the state's land holdings. "The land is not disposed of for the sake of profit, but used as a tool to catalyse development and improve the quality of life for residents," he said. "Also, leaving land undeveloped will burden state finances with maintenance costs and deprive the public of vital infrastructure such as roads, parks, and community amenities. "This is about using land responsibly to drive progress, not about selling off state assets," he said. In his winding-up speech, Chow also said that in his seven years serving as the chief minister, it was fair to say that the state's water services and supply had become more sustainable, with many previously overlooked issues now resolved or in the process of resolution. He said that long-term planning had been established through to 2030 to ensure a stable water supply throughout the state. He said infrastructure projects, including road networks, flood mitigation plans and electricity supply, had also been implemented and were continually planned. "These efforts are evident through the responses and wrap-ups shared by my team. "Besides effectively utilising state financial resources, we have also succeeded in securing federal funds from time to time for the development of our beloved state. "In terms of industry, we have proven that Seberang Prai is the future of Penang. "Batu Kawan has undergone rapid transformation, and Seberang Prai Utara is also actively being developed. "In fact, in terms of industrial land readiness, an area of 500 acres (202.3ha) has already been prepared to meet future investment needs. "Based on these achievements and our commitment, I am confident that the Vision Penang2030 agenda will be successfully achieved and handed over to my successor. "I dare say, and firmly believe, that when my successor eventually takes over the leadership of Penang, the state will be handed over in a strong and stable financial position, with over RM1 billion in the state's consolidated fund."
New Straits Times
15-05-2025
- New Straits Times
GOF cracks down on illegal sand mining, seizes equipment worth RM2mil
ALOR STAR: The General Operations Force (GOF) has detained 13 local men and seized machinery worth over RM2 million during raids on illegal sand mining sites in Kulim, Kuala Muda, and Bukit Selambau in Sungai Petani. Northern Brigade PGA commander, Senior Assistant Commissioner Shahrum Hashim, said the operation was carried out yesterday by the intelligence branch of the Northern Brigade headquarters, along with the intelligence branches of battalions 1 and 2, in collaboration with the Kedah State Land and Mines Office (PTG). He said they seized four excavators, six lorries, a bulldozer, a tractor, two sand suction units equipped with engines, and other equipment believed to have been used for illegal sand extraction from rivers. "The estimated total value of the seizures in the three cases is over RM2 million. "Preliminary interrogation revealed that the owner of the mining sites had been conducting these illegal activities for the past year and had been selling the sand in nearby markets for around RM400 per lorry. "Further checks also revealed that the site owner did not possess a permit or licence from PTG Kedah to extract sand from the river," he said in a statement today. The case is being investigated under Section 426 of the National Land Code 1965, which, upon conviction, carries a fine not exceeding RM500,000 or imprisonment of up to five years, or both. "The Northern Brigade PGA is actively monitoring and patrolling areas in Perak, Penang, and Kedah to curb unlawful activities. "In this regard, the public is urged to be the eyes and ears of the authorities by providing information on illegal activities," he added.
The Star
15-05-2025
- The Star
GOF nabs 13 over illegal sand mining in Kedah
ALOR SETAR: The General Operations Force (GOF) has arrested 13 people for suspected involvement in illegal sand mining during raids at three separate locations in Kedah on Wednesday (May 14). Northern Brigade GOF commander Senior Asst Comm Shahrum Hashim (pic) said the suspects, aged between 20 and 70, were believed to be illegally extracting sand from rivers in Kulim, Bukit Selambau and Kuala Muda. The raids were conducted by the intelligence branches of the Northern Brigade Headquarters and the 1st and 2nd Battalions, together with the Kedah Land and Mines Office. "Interrogations revealed that the site owner had been carrying out the illegal activity for the past year, selling the sand in nearby markets at around RM400 per lorryload. "Further checks showed that the site owner did not have a valid permit or licence from the Land and Mines Office to extract sand from the river,' he said in a statement on Thursday (May 15). He said the illegal activity allowed the suspects to profit by defrauding the state government. "In addition to the arrests, four excavators, six lorries, a bulldozer, a tractor, two sand suction structures, engines and other equipment were also seized. "The total value of the seized items is estimated at over RM2.8mil. "The case is being investigated under Section 426 of the National Land Code 1965. The Northern Brigade GOF is actively monitoring and patrolling areas across Perak, Penang and Kedah to curb illegal activities,' he said. – Bernama
The Star
14-05-2025
- The Star
Cops bust illegal sand mining activity in Kelantan
KOTA BARU: The General Operations Force (GOF) of the Royal Malaysian Police has cracked down on illegal sand mining activities in a river near Kampung Pahi, Kuala Krai. GOF South-East Brigade Commander Datuk Nik Ros Azhan Nik Ab Hamid said the operation was carried out in collaboration with the Kota Baru Land and Mines Office under Ops Taring Wawasan around 4.15pm on Sunday. He said the inspection found that the activities were carried out by three local men and three Bangladeshis, who failed to show valid permits or documents for sand extraction. 'The police detained and seized all equipment and machinery, such as sand suction vessels, excavators, lorries and other equipment used to move sand estimated at RM2mil. 'The case is being investigated under Section 426 of the National Land Code 1965. 'The suspects and the seized items were handed over to the Kota Baru Land and Mines office for further action,' he said in a statement yesterday, Bernama reported. Commenting further, Nik Ros Azhan said the GOF also foiled coconut smuggling activities after detaining a trailer and two lorries in Kampung Terbak, Tumpat, on Sunday. 'The results of the inspection found that three local men were transferring about 45,100kg of coconuts from the trailer to the lorry. 'The men had failed to show purchase documents related to the coconuts. He added that the estimated value of the seizure is RM1.35mil including vehicles. The case is also being investigated under the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) Act 141, he added. 'The suspect and the seized items were handed over to the Kota Baru Fama office for further action,' he said.
