Latest news with #Act828
The Sun
2 minutes ago
- The Sun
Batu Gajah police destroy ketum trees in joint operation
BATU GAJAH: A joint enforcement operation led by Batu Gajah District Police successfully dismantled illegal ketum processing activities in two locations yesterday. The crackdown resulted in the destruction of 50 ketum trees and four makeshift huts used for processing the banned substance. The operation, conducted from 7.30 am to 1 pm, targeted Batu 1, Jalan Tanjung Tualang in Batu Gajah and Kampung Nalla in Tronoh. Batu Gajah District Police Chief ACP Md Noor Aehawan Mohammad confirmed the enforcement was carried out under Section 425 of the National Land Code (Act 828) for illegal cultivation. 'This enforcement is aimed at destroying the ketum trees and huts located on government-owned land involved in ketum abuse activities,' he said in a statement. A total of 35 police officers and personnel, supported by 30 staff from the Kinta District and Land Office and the Ipoh Land and Mines Office, participated in the operation. Heavy machinery, including lorries and an excavator, was deployed to clear the sites. ACP Md Noor urged the public to report any suspected ketum-related activities to the Batu Gajah IPD at 05-3629 2222 or the nearest police station. - Bernama
The Star
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
465 encroachment cases on federal lands since in last ten years
KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 465 encroachment cases have taken place on lands owned by the Federal Government from 2015 till May 2025, the Dewan Rakyat was told. Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani ( pic ), who is tasked with temporarily overseeing the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry, said these figures involved encroachment on Federal Government-owned land, which is a total of 215,406 hectares nationwide. 'For the case in Penang, 26 complaints involved encroachment on federal-owned land, which is 18 lots of land,' said Johari in Parliament on Monday (July 28). Johari said the Lands and Mines Department (JKPTG) director-general would coordinate joint programs with other enforcement agencies to address the issue of encroachment. According to Johari, notices under Section 425 of the National Land Code (Act 828) would be issued to encroachers. Johari also said to ensure that federal lands are not repeatedly encroached, the government will come up with a method that will involve ministries or the consumer department. 'Every federal-owned land has development plans based on the Malaysian Plan,' he said. 'But, developing the land is based on the priority and allocation given by the government,' added Johari.
The Sun
17-07-2025
- The Sun
Man fined RM100,000 for illegal sand extraction in Raub
RAUB: A 67-year-old man was fined RM100,000 by the Sessions Court after pleading guilty to illegally extracting sand from Pahang government land in 2023. Chang Chee Onn admitted to the offence before Judge Noor Zaihan Mohamad Ali, who also ruled that he would face six months in jail if he failed to pay the fine. Chang later settled the amount. The court also ordered the forfeiture of seized machinery, including an excavator and two tipper lorries, to the state government. Chang was charged under Section 426(1) of the National Land Code (Revised 2020) Act 828 for illegally extracting sand from Sungai Ara, Mukim Gali, Raub, on December 9, 2023. The offence carries a maximum penalty of RM500,000, five years' imprisonment, or both. During proceedings, Pahang Enforcement Unit prosecuting officer Muhammad Taqiuddin Azizan urged the court to impose a deterrent sentence, citing revenue losses from unpaid royalties. Chang, who was unrepresented, pleaded for leniency, stating he had no permanent job and needed to support his family. Inspections revealed that Chang had extracted river sand beyond the permitted area and directed workers to move the material into the approved zone.
Barnama
17-07-2025
- Barnama
Man Fined RM100,000 For Illegal Sand Extraction In Raub
RAUB, July 17 (Bernama) -- A man was fined RM100,000 by the Sessions Court, here, today, after he pleaded guilty to illegally extracting sand from Pahang government land in 2023. Chang Chee Onn, 67, made the plea before Judge Noor Zaihan Mohamad Ali, who also ordered him to serve six months in prison if he failed to pay the fine. The man later settled the amount. The court also ordered that the seized machinery - an excavator and two tipper lorries - be forfeited to the state government. Chang was charged with committing the offence of illegally extracting rock material, namely sand, on state government land in Sungai Ara, Mukim Gali, Raub, at about 2.45 pm on Dec 9, 2023. The charge was framed under Section 426(1) of the National Land Code (Revised 2020) Act 828, which carries a maximum fine of RM500,000, or imprisonment of up to five years, or both, upon conviction. During the proceedings, Pahang Enforcement Unit (UPNP) prosecuting officer, Muhammad Taqiuddin Azizan, urged the court to impose a proportionate and deterrent sentence, citing losses and revenue leakages from unpaid royalties for the extracted sand. However, the accused, who was unrepresented, pleaded for leniency, on the grounds that he had no permanent job and needed to support his wife and child. According to the facts of the case, inspections found that the accused had extracted river sand outside the approved permit area, and ordered his workers to move the material from state land into the permitted area. -- BERNAMA
New Straits Times
30-05-2025
- New Straits Times
Illegal chalet development raises alarm over Behrang River ecosystem in Perak
TANJONG MALIM: Several cases of unauthorised commercial development on government land are raising environmental concerns in Perak, as illegal chalet construction threatens the ecosystem along Sungai Behrang in Muallim. What began as a trend of encroachment for agricultural and residential purposes has now shifted towards commercial ventures. In this latest case, permanent structures — including a two-storey bungalow-style building — have been erected near the river, believed to be without planning approval, a visit by Berita Harian to the site revealed. Located near Kampung Sungai Dara, the riverside area is a popular spot for nature enthusiasts, particularly hikers and swimmers. The illegal development poses a risk to the integrity of the river reserve, which plays a vital role in protecting water quality and biodiversity. The structure is believed to have been built over an area of 500 square metres, encroaching on approximately half an acre of government-owned land, including part of the protected river reserve. According to a source, the chalet construction has exceeded the boundaries of private land and intruded into both government land and the river buffer zone. "The construction of the permanent structure goes beyond private land and is found to encroach on government land and the river reserve," the source said. Under environmental regulations, developments near rivers must maintain a buffer zone of between 20 and 40 metres. However, the structure in question was found to be less than 20 metres from Sungai Behrang, in direct violation of these guidelines. "We found that the structure was erected about two months ago before a canvas fence was put up to hide the activity from villagers and authorities," the source added. Authorities had already issued two eviction notices under Section 425 of the National Land Code (Act 828), dated February 2025. The notices confirmed that the party involved was occupying government land in the Sungai Dara region without permission. "The developer is requested to vacate the site within 14 days from the date of the notice," the document stated. "If you fail to do so, the Muallim land administrator or any officer authorised by them has the right to take legal action to ensure the site is vacated." "If necessary, destruction, demolition, seizure, or removal of any property belonging to you will be carried out without reference to any party," the notice warned. Despite the deadline having passed, the structure remains standing, and the residence is believed to be occupied by foreign workers linked to the chalet project. A site inspection revealed gas cylinders and clothing, indicating recent activity inside the premises. "This is the second time the operator has built on the same site," a source said, referencing a previous attempt in 2018 involving piling work, which was later dismantled by authorities. Monitoring of the site began earlier this year, culminating in the issuance of the February notices. Still, the operator has failed to comply. "We identified at least five workers at the site, but they have stopped work since February," the source noted. The case highlights not only a legal violation but also a growing pattern of disregard for environmental safeguards. Experts warn that illegal development in river reserves accelerates erosion, pollutes water sources, and damages habitats. Officials stress that any construction must follow the proper procedures. "For any development, the operator must obtain planning permission from the local authority before land ownership can be requested from the district land office," the source explained. Muallim district is a natural gem, surrounded by the Titiwangsa Range and home to nine scenic mountains, including Mount Behrang, and Mount Sanggul. The area also features popular waterfalls like Strata Falls, Warin Falls, and Ulu Slim, drawing both local and international tourists seeking outdoor adventure and relaxation. Meanwhile, officials in Muallim have moved swiftly to curb illegal land encroachment, as unauthorised chalet developments threaten sensitive river ecosystems. The Muallim District and Land Office has taken action in at least five cases of encroachment on government land and river reserves, all involving construction for commercial purposes. Investigations into other affected areas are currently under way. Assistant District Officer from the Technical and Enforcement Unit, Sarina Omar, said the authorities have been proactive in demolishing structures built without approval. A recent operation involved dismantling a concrete structure in the Sungai Dara river reserve, believed to be intended for commercial use. "Following investigations, we launched the operation in coordination with multiple departments and agencies, under the oversight of the Muallim District and Land Office and the Perak State Land and Mines Office," Sarina. Notices were issued in advance under Section 425 of the National Land Code (Act 828). Sarina said that those found guilty of encroaching on government land face fines of up to RM500,000 or imprisonment for up to five years. She said that the operations aim to stop illegal expansion, protect river access, and preserve the area's natural environment. River reserves serve as vital buffer zones, safeguarding ecosystems and nearby land from natural disasters, she explained. "This initiative is aligned with the Perak Sejahtera 2030 agenda, which places environmental sustainability at the heart of state development," Sarina added.
