Put a stop to the eviction of farmers, says PSM

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IN THE case of duck and fish breeder Viatak Enterprise Sdn Bhd, which is being evicted from its farm in Gopeng by a public listed company, the needs of farmers should supersede the interests of commercial entities, says Parti Socialis Malaysia (PSM).

PSM deputy chairman M. Saraswathy said food producers, who contribute to the feeding of the people, should be encouraged to continue with their efforts rather than be made to stop operations abruptly.

A big loss: The ducks reared by Viatak Enterprise will be destroyed if it is evicted from the land it is occupying in Kota Baru, Gopeng.

Commenting on the ongoing tug-of-war over a piece of land in Kota Baru between Viatak and the listed company, Saraswathy said the state government needed to have the political will to ensure that the 24ha plot of land being occupied by Viatak continues to be used for food production.

“This is to ensure our food security and people’s needs are met. Viatak is able to produce 240,000 ducks and 280 tonnes of fish annually.

“At a time when food prices are skyrocketing, the state must find a permanent solution to the constant eviction of farmers by landowners,” she said.

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

Viatak director Leong Yew Seong had wanted the state to step in as the eviction is due for hearing at the Ipoh High Court on Nov 18.

The 24ha farm is part of 961ha approved to the listed company in 2009.

Speaking out: Saraswathy (centre) with Leong (left) and his father Yew Tuck, who is also a company director, at a press conference to air their grouses.

Saraswathy revealed that a check with the land office showed that the 961ha of land had been approved to the listed company to plant cash crops.

“Why wasn’t Viatak, which is actively involved in agriculture, not given the land then?” she questioned.

When contacted by MetroPerak, Leong said he was told by the Land and Mines Department to attend a meeting with the listed company on Wednesday.

“I hope to solve the problem amicably,” Leong said, confirming that he would be attending the meeting.