In Malaysia, after such recurring tragedies, the blame game starts. Owner of land or operator of site, vehicle involved but the question that always goes unanswered is, what about the: 1 Licensing, 2 inspection and enforcement authorities, 3 District Office and Land Office, and 4 Local Council?
Hundreds are employed in all the above bodies. Do they not go out from the air-conditioned offices to inspect or visit areas under their jurisdiction to ascertain whether any land-clearing is going on and for what purpose?
From the photos, it appears that these farms can be seen by the naked eye as they appear extensive and in a valley. Are we to understand that none of the above saw the camps, apart from the farm which appears to have been licensed? Did they not deem it fit to obtain drones to do a monthly aerial survey?
It is the laidback attitude of these civil servants that must be addressed forthwith if such tragedies are to prevented.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke has adopted the most proactive stance of suspending the licences of heavy vehicle drivers and companies for being involved in fatal accidents. To top that, he personally visits train stations and rides in the train. Similar steps must be considered by Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming and other ministers under whose jurisdiction the departments concerned fall.
Whilst the land owner must be hauled up, others too need to face action.
DATUK AJIT SINGH JESSY
Tanjung Bungah
Penang
