BAGAN DATUK, Sept 2 – A proposal is being considered for plantation companies whose land leases with the government have expired to return 20 percent of the leased land to the state government if they wish to renew the lease.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stated that this proposal is currently being thoroughly reviewed by the Bumiputera Economic Council (MEB) in collaboration with state governments and the federal territories before it is implemented.
As chairman of the MEB Steering Committee, Ahmad Zahid said the proposal is part of the government’s effort to ensure that the returned land benefits the people.
“We are requesting that when the lease expires, typically given for 99 years during the British era, only 20 percent of the estate land is returned if the lease is to be renewed.
“This 20 percent will be returned to the state government, which can then develop it for the benefit of the people,” he told reporters on Sunday.
