BUKIT MERTAJAM – Penang is committed to resolving the issue of squatters in the state with the smooth relocation of the residents in Kg Tok Subuh in Machang Bubok as a prime example of it, says Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
Since their landowner had issued an eviction notice on the villagers in 2013, their emotions have been further fuelled by slander from certain quarters that the state refused to do anything for them, Chow said.
However, at a breaking of fast event in the new settlement of the village yesterday evening, Chow noted that the state finally resolved the matter by relocating the residents to a new settlement.
Also present at the event were opposition leader and PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Bagan MP and DAP chairman Lim Guan Eng, Bukit Mertajam MP Steven Sim Chee Keong and Machang Bubok assemblyman Lee Khai Loon.
Chow said that Penang was committed to resolving the plight of the villagers.
The state provided subsidies for 26 families, while 11 others were given free modern homes.
“We also managed to negotiate a higher compensation payout from the developer (landowner) to ensure the villagers managed to relocate smoothly,” he said at the new settlement.
The area, which is near their original village location, has been named Desa Tok Subuh by the Seberang Prai City Council. It has 39 affordable houses.
The state spent RM4.5 million to relocate the settlers there on land which belongs to the state.
“The relocation also shows that Penang can be innovative in addressing squatters’ issues,” Chow said.
He also thanked Lim, who was the previous chief minister, for beginning the process of resettling the squatters here. It is understood that they began relocating to their new homes in 2019.
Anwar said he was impressed with the initiative, saying that the state administration has been managed well although there are some teething issues which need more attention.
“The way the issue was resolved shows that there is an alternative way to govern rather than succumb to outdated practices.”
The opposition has the capability to find new approaches to resolve the issues of the people, he said.
He added that this can only happen in states such as Penang because it is managed well, taxes collected are spent well, and public property is not stolen.
“The savings earned can be returned to the taxpayers if the governance is effective and incorruptible. Kg Tok Subuh villagers can spread this message of goodwill that a caring state government can do wonders for the people,” said Anwar.
Earlier upon his arrival at Penang International Airport, Anwar was met by a group representing some Tg Tokong fishermen, whose illegal structures recently built on reclaimed land there are marked for demolition.
Anwar accepted a letter of appeal from the group and promised to look into their grouses. – The Vibes, April 25, 2022
