MACC's 12 recommendations to avoid another Bertam Valley tragedy

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has recommended the policy review of granting Temporary Occupation Licence (TOL) in order to restrict illegal land exploration of the government land in Cameron Highlands.

MACC deputy chief commissioner (prevention) Datuk Mustafar Ali said the measure was among its twelve recommendations to avoid a repeat of the Bertam Valley tragedy.

MACC also recommended avoiding permanent building constructions on the TOL land and enforcing the and Conservation Act 1960 / Pahang Enactment No. 13 (heavier fines and penalties).

"Apart from that, the state government should define a clear policy on high land development to facilitate the direction of law enforcement and land administration there,” he said in a statement today.

Mustafar added that the state government should also establish separate jurisdictions between the Cameron Highlands District Council and Cameron Highlands District and Land Office to avoid overlapping.

"They can also mark and gazette the boundary of the Permanent Reserved Forest (PRF) clearly. Marking is to be reviewed for the purpose of maintenance of critical PRF boundary.

He said the state should establish a task force for effective enforcement.

On Wednesday, mud floods in Kampung Baru Ringlet and Lembah Bertam caused five deaths and injured five others.

"The incident could have been avoided by reviewing the system and enforcement procedures to increase operational efficiency and enhance the implementation Section 425 and 426 of the National Land Code enforcement, and impose new TOL conditions if necessary," he said.

He added that the state government should implement appropriate administrative measures to facilitate the administration and enforcement of illegal ventures such as limiting the use of heavy chain.

He said this includes monitoring the influx of foreign workers in Cameron Highlands and improve enforcement operations on weekends and public holidays.

Meanwhile, Mustafar said, the inspections have identified 10 issues, including illegal land exploration, that require immediate action by all parties.

He added that MACC has received reports and information relating to claims of corruption in the illegal land exploration issue in Cameron Highlands, inlcuding claims of illegal settlers trying to hand a bribe of RM20,000 to the Cameron Highlands District and Land Officers.