Govt ends 40-year settlement issue with land grants for 120 Perak families, says housing minister

IPOH, Aug 9 — A total of 120 squatter families around Sungkai and Kuala Bikam have been given land grants, resolving a settlement issue they had faced for more than 40 years, says Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming.

In a statement last night, Nga said the resolution of the issue was proof that the Madani Government always prioritised the wellbeing of the people regardless of racial background and social status, in line with its commitment to ensuring no Malaysian was left behind or marginalised in development.

“The squatter problem that has dragged on for more than 40 years can finally be resolved. Last night, 120 families are receiving land grants that symbolise a more secure future for them and future generations,” he said.

The DAP national deputy chairman said this when presenting the land grants to recipients at a dinner organised by the DAP Sungkai state constituency division last night, which was attended by more than 1,200 guests from various communities.

He also expressed appreciation to Sungkai assemblyman and state Human Resources, Health, Indian Community Affairs and National Integration Committee chairman Datuk A. Sivanesan, as well as all civil servants who worked tirelessly and with dedication to ensure the issue was resolved.

Nga said the Madani Government’s commitment to the Indian community was also reflected in various initiatives, including RM20 million allocated for Indian settlements, RM50 million for Tamil vernacular schools (SJKTs) and an increase in the allocation for the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (MITRA) to RM150 million.

“These are among the proofs that the Madani Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is constantly striving to build an inclusive, fair and equitable Malaysia, guided by the principle that no one is left behind or marginalised,” he said.

Meanwhile, Nga urged the people to assess the government’s actual performance and achievements and not be swayed by racial sentiments.

“Let us not allow performance to lose out to perception. Our country needs a new, constructive politics, not an outdated, destructive one.

“The politics of the future must be rooted in unity, performance-driven service, development and the wellbeing of the people,” he said.

Also present at the DAP Sungkai 60th anniversary dinner were Ipoh Timur MP Howard Lee Chuan How, Buntong assemblyman M. Thulsi, Malim Nawar assemblyman V. Bavani, Astaka assemblyman Jason Ng Thien Yong and other local community leaders. — Bernama