NIBONG TEBAL – Villagers will apply for a stay order tomorrow to stop a developer from evicting 23 families and removing three temples from Ladang Sg Kecil near here.
Deputy Chief Minister II P. Ramasamy said a meeting has been arranged today between the affected families, police and land owner to resolve the problem.
“Initially, the land owner had agreed with the state to sell the land to the Penang Hindu Endowment Board.
“But he changed his mind and obtained a court order to evict the families before Wednesday. We don’t mind if the land owner wants to develop the land, but the state government is responsible for the welfare of the families.
“We don’t want the land owner to demolish the three temples.”
He added the Seberang Prai City Council had served a notice to the land owner to not demolish the temples without council permission.
The land owner bought the 2.4ha plot two years ago for about RM2 million.
Seberang Prai Selatan district police chief Supt Lee Chong Chern had earlier planned for a press conference on the matter but was called off.
The affected families are staying put for now and hoping for a solution that includes compensation or another plot of land to relocate to.
N. Jegan, 44, spokesman for the families, said they have been living in the estate for more than 150 years.
“We believe Ramasamy will resolve this issue and we can continue to live here.”
The land owner could not be reached for comments. – The Vibes, October 5, 2020
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