Seberang Perai: The Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) has uncovered 61 locations across Seberang Perai where unauthorised landfilling of padi fields has been occurring since last year. Mayor Datuk Baderul Amin Abdul Hamid emphasized that padi fields are designated as granary zones, and any unauthorised activities on such agricultural lands are prohibited to preserve food security and the food chain.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, MBSP is resolute about addressing this issue and plans to enforce actions under the Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974 against violators. The council’s records indicate that there are 28 cases in Seberang Perai Utara, 26 in Seberang Perai Tengah (SPT), and seven in Seberang Perai Selatan (SPS), involving multiple lots under MBSP’s jurisdiction. However, the enforcement efforts face challenges as those responsible seem to evade detection, with machinery absent during MBSP operations. Despite seizing 28 lorries last year, many remain elusive despite thorough investigations and undercover operations.

Baderul Amin highlighted that the problem often arises when land is divided into smaller lots and sold to individuals unaware of the illegality of building houses on padi fields. Although homes related to agriculture are permitted, private residential construction on padi land is not. When legal actions are pursued, the land broker’s name is often missing, leaving only the buyer, who claims ignorance of the approval status. Baderul Amin expressed intentions to engage the state government to find a resolution.

Meanwhile, State Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman H’ng Mooi Lye stated that landworks in active padi fields are restricted, except for approved structures like swiftlet houses or rice storage facilities. He cited a case involving Lot 1343 and Lot 1354 in Mukim 5, Permatang Ara, where complaints were first received on August 24, 2024. Subsequent inspections revealed ongoing landfilling activities, prompting notices and actions like seizing a lorry engaged in illegal soil transport.

H’ng assured that stricter monitoring would be enforced to prevent such activities, with MBSP enhancing cooperation with relevant agencies to curb illegal land activities in padi granary areas. He intends to discuss with the state government secretary to ensure that applications for subdividing padi land are carefully reviewed henceforth, allowing subdivisions only with clearly assessed purposes.