100 more farms served with stop-work orders
KOTA BARU: Another 100 vegetable farm operators in the Lojing highlands were served with temporary stop-work orders as a precautionary measure against landslides.
The directive came barely two months after the authorities had issued temporary stop-work orders to seven companies found to have breached regulations on the clearing and planting of vegetables there.
Lojing district and land officer Nik Razak Nik Hassan said the stop-work orders were issued to the 100 farm operators two weeks ago by the Gua Musang district office.
“Due to the rainy season, we have to take precautions to prevent any untoward incidents.
“The operators are told to temporarily cease activities, such as cutting trees on the hill, from now until February.”
Nik Razak said it was normal for the council to issue such orders to vegetable farm operators in the highlands during the rainy season.
“The stop-work orders are issued every year, but it is not compulsory.
“It will be issued if the situation persists,” he said.
Sources said the 100 operators were sub-companies for major companies like Yayasan Kelantan Darulnaim (Yakin) and Multisystem Sdn Bhd and they had been operating in the highlands for more than two years.
In an exclusive report by NST on Dec 11, it was stated that the authorities had issued temporary stop-work orders to seven vegetable farms covering 100ha of land in the highlands over fears their activities might trigger a landslide that could bury hundreds of Orang Asli living downhill.