KUANTAN – The Pahang government today refuted claims it has appointed a company, said to be chaired by a member of the royal family, to carry out the state’s “land whitening” programme (taking enforcement action on illegally occupied land).
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail said the state government has not received any application from the said company or discussed the matter with any of the company’s representative, and only found out about the existence of the company through social media.
“We have never discussed the appointment of the company in the state executive council meeting, which is where all matters pertaining to ‘land whitening’ is discussed and decided. It is not a decision by an individual,” he said here today.
Wan Rosdy said any reports on the illegal occupation of land are thoroughly investigated by the relevant agencies before enforcement action is approved so that it does not involve land that have been issued titles.
He said this in response to a claim that had gone viral yesterday on the Pahang government allowing the company to carry out the programme and to act as an intermediary between the state government and settlers concerned.
The company, which is said to be based in Kuantan, is also alleged to have sent a letter to the land office in Pahang, stating its intention to work with the state government on the programme.
Wan Rosdy said he will refer the matter to state legal adviser Saiful Edris Zainuddin for further action. – Bernama, October 9, 2021
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