Just about a month ago, Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) and farmers from The Perak Farmers’ Association attempted to peacefully march to submit their memorandum to the Members of Parliament to maintain vegetable production areas in the state of Perak.
This was due to the fact that the farmers were being evicted from the farmland to give way to housing construction projects and industrial developments. Though, before they could peacefully march, they were stopped by an army of PDRM officers.
Now, things have gotten worse.
Taking to their Twitter profile, PSM shared how they, as well as farmers, were treated with violence when they attempted to prevent the forced eviction process by Perak Land and Mines (PTG) officers. One of their activists even sustained injuries after being shoved to the ground by an officer.
They wrote, “An Ipoh PTG officer pushed PSM activist comrade Chong Yee Shan down until he broke his teeth and sustained injuries during the forced eviction by the Land and Mines Department on farmers in the Kantan area, Tambun Parliament.”
“Farmers who have cultivated this land for decades are now being driven away by force. Cruelty in the Prime Minister’s Parliament area!”
Despite his injuries, PSM activist Chong Yee Shan continued to prevent the brutal forced eviction on the farmers.
Following this, 3 PSM activists and a farmer were arrested and later released after providing their statement at the Ipoh IPD.
Today (October 25), farmers alongside PSM activists have gathered at the Perak Menteri Besar’s office to urge PTG to stop the forced eviction, as a large enforcement team has already entered the farmlands to demolish and destroy the crops.
Why is this important?
These farmers produce are apparently the largest suppliers of vegetables in Perak as they produce an estimated 80 tons of vegetables and fruits every day, and very much contribute to the food security of the country.
So, without them, food sources are reduced, leading to higher prices of fruits and vegetables as well as difficulties for the underprivileged to feed themselves and their loved ones.
What do you think about this? Do feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section.
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