CAMERON HIGHLANDS, Nov 19 — With immediate effect, illegal farmers in Cameron Highlands should cease all activities, especially farming, says the Sultan of Pahang, Sultan Ahmad Shah.
He said the state government took a serious view of the matter and legal action would be initiated against those involved.
“The illegal farmers are responsible for doing this (illegal farming) continuously for ages, they are to be blamed for the ‘parit’ (river overflow) incident,” he told reporters after a visit to the flood site in Lembah Bertam here today.
Also present were Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob and state government leaders.
In this regard, the sultan called on the federal government to use all facilities and agencies to assist the state government as Cameron Highlands was a tourist destination.
“Illegal farmers have been here since the time of the British, and I am tired of all these (illegal activities) as these farmers can resort to violence, with the help of gangsters,” he said.
Asked to comment on the purported issue of yellow letters or letters from the palace supporting illegal development and farming in the district, Sultan Ahmad Shah said he was unaware of the matter.
“If there are parties who show the yellow letter involving the name of the palace, I will punish him myself, so do not believe in such allegations.
“Please check with the state government, do not believe in such claims which abuse the names of others,” he added.
In the two-hour visit, the sultan also held discussions with the local authorities on works to restore Sungai Bertam with federal government funds. — Bernama
