KUALA LUMPUR, July 28 (Bernama) — The illegal settlement in Bukit Malut, Langkawi is not located on the mangrove forest reserve or the Bukit Malut Forest Reserve, said Energy and Natural Resources Minister Datuk Dr. Shamsul Anuar Nasarah.
Instead, the settlement is situated on a government land that has been temporarily leased by the Kedah state government to Permodalan Kedah Berhad on a 99-year lease, he added.
“The ministry understands that the Kedah state government is aware of this matter and efforts are being taken by them along with other relevant departments and agencies.
“(This) includes the National Security Council (MKN) to relocate residents living illegally in the area to new areas,” he said in a statement today.
Recently, a local media reported that Langkawi residents were urging the federal government to conduct a legalisation process on the status of about 10,000 Myanmar nationals living in the area and cleanse its image as a settlement for illegal immigrants.
Meanwhile, Shamsul Anuar said protection of the Bukit Malut Forest Reserve is under control even though there were signs of trespassing.
As such, he added the ministry through the Forestry Department Peninsular Malaysia and Kedah State Forestry Department will continuously monitor the settlement to prevent any new intrusions.
“Stern action will be taken against intruders in accordance with the National Forestry Act 1984 (Act 313),” he said.
— NNN-BERNAMA