Gov't allowed us to farm in Paya Terubong for over 30 years: Farmers

GEORGE TOWN: The state government apparently has allowed farmers to clear the land on the hills of Paya Terubong for the past 30 years for agricultural purposes.
That is what was told to theSun by several farmers on top of Nan Shan Hill in Ayer Itam today.
Most of them theSun spoke to, although reluctantly, admitted that they have been clearing the land on top of the hill.
"We plant mostly fruits and vegetables such as ocra, chilli and banana and several durian trees in the farm.
"I have been clearing the land on the hills since 30 years ago for agricultural purposes with the consent of the state government," said a farmer who only wanted to be known as Lai Hin.
Lai Hin told theSun several plots of land on the hills in Balik Pulau have also been cleared for agricultural use.
He, however, said from his understanding the hills are reserved land but land clearing activities have been rampant since two years ago.
Another farmer, who wanted to be known only as Ah Chiok, also agreed with Lai Hin and told theSun that rampant land clearing was going on at the other side of Nan Shan Hill which can be seen from below and as far as Jalan Thein Teik.
"I have been working here for about 20 years, the land that we work on was allowed by state authority since thirty years ago.
"But at the other side (Balik Pulau), the land clearing activities are recent, about two years ago," she said.
theSun team made a visit to the top of the hill to check on recent reports about the clearing of land on Penang Hill especially in Paya Terubong and its surrounding areas.
The trek to the top of the hill was slippery after heavy rain and caused one of our members to fall from his motorcycle.
On Saturday, an English daily reported that the clearing of land on Penang Hill is far worse than what was thought previously.
A bird enthusiast theSun met during the visit expressed his concern with the land clearing activities on top of the hill.
Kamarudin Kassim, 48, said he has been bird-watching at the top of the hill for 20 years and the land clearing activities can effect the ecosystem of the birds' natural habitat.
"Uncontrolled land clearing will surely destroy the natural flora and fauna here," he added.
When contacted state local government, traffic management and flood mitigation committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said State Secretary Datuk Seri Farizan Darus will issue a statement soon.
Attempt to contact Penang Mayor Datuk Patahiyah Ismail were futile at press time.