[UPDATED] Jo Ghani: 465 federal land encroachment cases recorded since 2015

New Straits Times

11 hours ago

KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 465 cases of encroachment on federal land were recorded from 2015 to May 2025, said Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.
The acting Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability minister said most encroachers use the land for squatter housing, small businesses, food stalls, and car wash operations.
"According to the Land and Mines Department, there have been 465 cases of encroachment on federal land from 2015 to May 2025.
"The total area of land owned by the Federal government is 215,406 hectares. In the case of Penang, 26 complaints involved encroachment on federal land, affecting 18 land lots.
"To deal with encroachment on federal land, the Land and Mines Department will coordinate with enforcement agencies, ministries, and the relevant departments. Under Section 425 of the National Land Code, enforcement notices will be issued to encroachers, for them to vacate the site. The relevant agency must then implement control measures to prevent further encroachment," he said in the Dewan Rakyat during Minister's Question Time.
He was responding to a question from Dr Siti Mastura Muhammad (PN-Kepala Batas), who asked for details on encroachments on federal-owned land nationwide, specifically in Penang, the actions taken against encroachers, and whether there are plans to develop the land.
Johari said the respective ministry or department must take action by installing signboards, fencing off the area, hiring security guards, and demolishing any illegal structures built by encroachers.
"In more serious cases where encroachers refuse to vacate and structures have already been built, legal action will be taken. If found guilty, the penalty may be up to RM500,000," he said.
Johari said each parcel of federal land has been earmarked for development based on priorities and allocations approved by the federal government.
"To ensure optimal use of federal land, the Land and Mines Department facilitates land conversion for use by other ministries and federal agencies that require it, including through rental and leasing arrangements," he said.
He was responding to a question from Datuk Adnan Abu Hassan (BN-Kuala Pilah) on the ministry's long-term strategic plan to address the poor management of government assets, including abandoned buildings, which has led to encroachment and wastage of national resources.
Johari said once a ministry or department is assigned a piece of federal land, it becomes their responsibility. If a project or building on the land is abandoned, the respective ministry must rehabilitate and repurpose it.
"If the structure is old – over 40 or 50 years – and no longer suitable for use, the land must be returned to the federal government. The government will then consider alternative uses, such as affordable housing," he said.