DAP man calls for provision of vast permanent agro-site in Miri
MIRI: A local leader of Democratic Action Party (DAP) is urging the Sarawak government to provide a permanent agriculture site slated for helping the farmers here.
The call by DAP Pujut chairman Dr Ting Tiong Choon was made in response to the plight of 14 local farmers who were facing evacuation from an agriculture land where they had been working on over the past two decades.
According to him, the company that has issued the evacuation order is a government-linked organisation.
It is said that the evacuation notice states that the farmers must move out by this December.
“These farmers have worked very hard in developing that land, which is located in Kuala Baram, spending hundreds of thousands of ringgit installing basic facilities and taking proper care of the area.
“The 300-acrem land also serves as one of the largest vegetable suppliers in this division, enabling the local communities to enjoy fresh vegetables.
“Thus, in view of their hard work and contributions to the local communities, it is only right that they be given a permanent place to continue their work. Evacuating them to give way for housing and commercial development (on the land) does not sound proper as there are many empty shophouses and housing units in Miri,” said Dr Ting, who is former Pujut assemblyman, during a press conference held here yesterday.
On the evacuation notice, he viewed the short time given as ‘being inconsiderate’.
“In recent years, the Sarawak government has been promoting and encouraging agriculture and farming as a good career option; however, the decision to vacant this farming land for housing development shows otherwise,” he added.