MACC urges setting up of task force on Cameron Highlands – Bernama
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has recommended that a task force be set up to curb corruption linked to illegal land clearing and agricultural activities in Cameron Highlands.
MACC deputy chief commissioner (prevention) Datuk Mustafar Ali said the team was needed for effective enforcement and to allow action to be taken fairly.
He said a policy controlling the entry and identity of foreign workers, especially in Cameron Highlands, was necessary to prevent encroachment of agricultural land.
Both illegal land clearing and encroachment of agricultural land are the cause of last Wednesday’s floods and landslides in the Bertam Valley in Cameron Highlands. Five people died in the incident.
"Besides that, we also recommend looking into the issuance of Temporary Occupation Licence (TOL) to restrict illegal exploration of government land, avoid the construction of permanent buildings on TOL land as well as enforcement of the Land Conservation Act 1960/Pahang Enactment No. 13 (Heavier Fines and Penalties).
"(We aim to) creating a detection system to avoid allegations involving royalty, politicians and senior government officers," he said in a statement today.
Mustafar also recommended that action be taken to facilitate the management and enforcement on illegal ventures, such as restricting the use of heavy machinery, monitoring the influx of foreign workers in Cameron Highlands and stepping up enforcement operations on weekends and public holidays.
Other recommendations raised by the MACC include gazetting and marking the borders of permanent forest reserves. Cultivation zones are set up for the Orang Asli, thereby limiting the shifting cultivation areas.
"There is also a need for a functional complaint system for people to lodge complaints, reports or provide information on illegal activities and misconduct."
He said among the recommendations being considered and implemented was the setting up of two separate authorities, namely the Cameron Highlands District Council and Cameron Highland District and Land Office.
Mustafar said because there was no clear demarcation of the permanent forest reserve areas in Cameron Highlands, vegetable farmers and the Orang Asli used it as an excuse to exploit the areas illegally.
MACC would also bring the proposals to the National Integrity and Governance Committee Meeting on November 25. – Bernama, November 10, 2014.
