THE state government, through Penang Hindu Endowment Board (PHEB), is willing to renegotiate with the landowner of Ladang Sungai Kechil estate in Nibong Tebal on a possible deal to buy over the land.
Deputy Chief Minister II Prof Dr P. Ramasamy, who is also the PHEB chairman said the Board had agreed to buy the 2.4ha land earlier this year from the landowner to save 23 families and three temples there from eviction.
“However, the previous negotiations fell through after the owner rejected the market price offer for the land.
“Instead, he has taken a court order (eviction notice) to be enforced on Oct 7,” Dr Ramasamy told reporters during his visit to the estate yesterday (Oct 1).
Also present were Bagan Dalam assemblyman Satees Muniandy and Sungai Bakap assemblyman Dr Amar Pritpal Abdullah.
Dr Ramasamy said that PHEB is committed and willing to renegotiate with the landowner anytime and anywhere to reach a consensus regarding the matter.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad