By Sheeda Fathil
SHAH ALAM, Dec 6 — Encroachment of state-owned lands is punishable by a maximum fine of RM500,000, up to a five-year prison sentence, or both, says Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari.
The Menteri Besar said the offenders could also be subject to compound or land compensation claims.
“If there is an encroachment on state-owned territory, the proper course of action is to take and apply strong actions against the individuals, businesses, or any other entity," he said in response to a query by Taman Medan state assemblyman Syamsul Firdaus Mohamed Supri during the Selangor State Legislative Assembly sitting, here today.
Syamsul Firdaus had inquired regarding the legalisation of encroaching state-owned property.
Amirudin said that large-scale encroachment had frequently occurred at coconut and palm oil plantations, involving the development of permanent structures such as residences, workshops or warehouses.
Small-scale trespassers, he added, might include people who grow cash crops along the roadside like maize, lemongrass, and banana trees.
