MB steps into dispute over land

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MENTRI Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir has given both parties involved in a dispute over farmland in Kota Baru, Gopeng, a tongue-lashing.

While ticking off Viatak Enterprise Sdn Bhd for approaching an opposition party after asking the state government to mediate in its dispute with Gopeng Bhd, Dr Zambry had also issued a warning to the listed company for not cooperating with the state.

Viatak and the listed company are involved in an ongoing tug-of-war over a 24ha piece of land. Viatak, a fish and duck breeding company, had been working on the land for the past four decades before it was approved to Gopeng Bhd in 2009.

The 24ha site was part of 961ha approved to Gopeng Bhd then.

All ears: Dr Zambry (left) listening to the problems raised by the people during the meet-thepeople session.

“I have met Viatak’s director, Leong Yew Seong twice over the matter and the state is aware of the problem faced by his company.

“But it seems that Viatak has more confidence in Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM),” Dr Zambry told reporters after a meet-the-people session at the State Secretariat building in Ipoh yesterday.

He said while he was not disputing Leong’s political affiliation, he wondered whether it was the state or PSM that Leong wanted help from.

On Nov 3, Viatak had approached PSM for help to get the state to intervene after being slapped with an eviction notice by Gopeng Bhd.

Leong had wanted the state to step in as the eviction was due for hearing at the Ipoh High Court on Friday.

Dr Zambry said he had also personally asked Gopeng Bhd to give due consideration to Viatak.

“Viatak is aware that their farmland is legally owned by Gopeng Bhd and I believe a meeting between the two parties is the only avenue for a win-win solution to be achieved.

“I am now using my jurisdiction as Mentri Besar to ask Gopeng Bhd to use its discretion to help the state in resolving this matter.

“However, Gopeng Bhd seems adamant and does not want to listen to the state’s advice.

“It is alright as I believe this is not going to be the first and last time that they will deal with the state. I want to tell Gopeng Bhd that,” he added.

The Land and Mines Department has scheduled a meeting between Viatak and Gopeng Bhd to discuss the matter today.