Perak opposition questions land grant policy, highlights plight of thousands of settlers

Razman Zakaria, the opposition leader in the Perak State Legislative Assembly, has called on the state government to provide a comprehensive explanation of its land grant policies. He specifically raised concerns about the status of thousands of settlers who are still awaiting land titles, despite living on and cultivating land for decades.

Zakaria welcomed the recent issuance of land grants to 120 families in Sungkai and Kuala Bikam, who had waited approximately 40 years for their titles. However, he pointed out that this development raises questions about the situation of numerous other families across the state facing similar prolonged waits. He asserted that every Perak resident who has peacefully occupied and worked the land deserves legal assurance and legitimate housing, regardless of their background, provided they are legal citizens.

Furthermore, Zakaria criticized the manner in which the land grants were presented, noting that they were handed over during a dinner event organized by a DAP assemblyman, despite the documents being official approvals from the Perak State Government. He argued that such official documents should be distributed through formal government channels, not political events, to avoid the perception that the administration's work is being used for political gain. He stressed that land ownership is a right that should be granted without political bias.

Zakaria also claimed that the issue of waiting 30 to 50 years for land grants affects settlers, smallholders, and residents of organized village schemes in areas like Bagan Serai, Lenggong, Pasir Salak, Hilir Perak, and Tambun. He urged the state government to explain why land title processes are expedited in some areas while traditional settlements and RPTs face persistent bureaucracy. He called for a clear timeline to resolve the backlog of land grant applications statewide and suggested subsidies for land premiums and survey costs to assist low-income households in completing the ownership process. He also recommended that the Land and Mines Office (PTG) Perak publish annual data on approved land applications by district and demographic to ensure transparency and prevent negative perceptions.