GEORGE TOWN – With eviction and demolition orders hanging over their heads, it is no surprise that Tg Tokong’s fishing folk have not made special preparations to usher in Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
Tg Tokong Fishermen’s Association secretary Syahifah Hawa Zamzuri said none of them have been notified of the dates although the orders for eviction and demolition stand.
I understand the state government will still demolish the houses after Hari Raya, and it makes us sad. We are in no mood to celebrate Raya and even Ramadan has been gloomy.”
“We also need to prepare to attend the investigation process by the North East District and Land Office on May 17 and 18,” she told The Vibes.
The issue has also caught the attention of state Agrotechnology and Food Safety, Rural Development and Health exco Norlela Ariffin, who acknowledged that she was informed of the dates in a recent state government meeting.
“I have been informed about the date and schedule of the demolition, but I cannot reveal this as it can only be announced by those involved in the issue.
“I hope the North East District and Land Office will give the villagers some time and not spring it on them at the last minute.”
Norlela also voiced concerns over the loss of traditional coastal fishing activities if enforcement action is taken against the villagers.
She said it is time for the state government to consider preserving living heritage such as traditional fishing villages, and not just colonial buildings.
The traditional fishing village is a heritage that should be preserved and not eliminated. If Chew Jetty can be a tourism product, the Tg Tokong village should be too.”
She also pledged to help the villagers and ease their burden in any way she can.
Last week, it was reported that part of the village would be demolished to make way for the construction of an international school’s recreation area.
It would affect 12 building structures, including houses, fishing huts and homestays. Two are residential structures, for which the residents will be offered medium-cost affordable housing and ex-gratia consolation.
Occupied since 2005, the 1.3ha village is one of the two traditional fishing villages here, the other being the Tg Bungah fishing village.
The Tg Tokong villagers had applied for a temporary occupation licence in 2013, but this was rejected. They made an appeal that same year but it was also rejected, in 2014. Their latest appeal was in 2020 but said they have not received any response from the authorities.
The village consists of 78 structures consisting of homes, stores, and huts belonging to coastal fishermen; homestay houses, community fire and rescue cabins, surau, and a fisherman’s market. – The Vibes, April 18, 2022
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