198 occupation permits given to Silam villagers
LAHAD DATU: The government, through the State Forestry Department, yesterday issued 198 occupation permits (OP) to 493 household heads at Perkampungan Sri Aman Bumiputera at Mile 15, Jalan Silam.
With the presentation of the OP, the villagers could now expect more development to be implemented in the area for their well-being, said State Forestry Department Deputy Director Fedelis Edwin.
He noted that a total 114.78 hectares of land was produced from the Ulu Segama Tanjung Tumanong Hallu Reserved Forest for this purpose.
In his speech at the OP presentation ceremony, Fedelis expressed hopes that the villages would prosper with the granting of OP, adding that the villagers could now strive to make competitive villages inside the reserve complete with facilities as well as achieving the status of ‘Kampung Sejahtera’.
Meanwhile, Silam Umno head Datuk Mohd Yusof Apdal, who is also the incumbent Lahad Datu assemblyman, urged the people to use the right channels to solve problems such as land ownership.
Yusof said the Barisan Nasional (BN) government, through its leaders, had always strived to solve the people’s problems and fight for their rights.
Though it may take time, the people should understand that not everything can be solved in the blink of an eye as promised by the opposition, he said.
Therefore, Yusof said the people should always choose leaders and a government who can help and fight for the people.
“Support and cooperation from the people has made BN successful in developing the country and the people.
“It is hoped that the people will continue to support BN so that more development could be implemented for their well-being,” he said.