Pahang Govt Open To Discuss Berjaya Hills Impasse - Wan Rosdy

TEMERLOH, Oct 6 (Bernama) -- The Pahang state government is open to discussions with Berjaya Hills Resort Bhd (Berjaya Hills) to resolve the impasse over enforcement action taken against land operated by the company in Bukit Tinggi, near Bentong.

Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail said discussions must be based on existing legal provisions and regulations.

"That is up to them (Berjaya Hills). We are taking action based on the law. The state government is open to discussions, but they must be based on and guided by the law. There are regulations, so follow the rules," he told reporters at the Kampung Sempadan Hall here today.

He said this when asked to comment on a statement by Berjaya Hills claiming that enforcement action taken against its property by the Pahang authorities was unreasonable and completely unacceptable.

According to the statement, the enforcement action followed a dispute over an increase in quit rent that allegedly affected the company's legitimate expectation to continue its business and operations peacefully.

The dispute arose from a 13-fold increase in quit rent on Berjaya Hills' property to RM33.7 million in 2020 compared to the previous year. The amount was later lowered to RM25.75 million.

According to the statement, Berjaya Hills obtained an interim stay on Sept 28 against the forfeiture of the premises, which include staff quarters, a central laundry facility, and other essential amenities.

Meanwhile, Wan Rosdy said it was up to Berjaya Hills to proceed with the court hearing on the state government's claim, including its application for leave to bring the matter to the Federal Court.

The company previously failed in its judicial review application against the Pahang state government at the High Court on May 29, 2024, before appealing to the Court of Appeal. However, on July 16, the appellate court upheld the High Court's decision.

Berjaya Hills subsequently filed an application for leave to appeal to the Federal Court, with the case scheduled for hearing on Dec 8.

Asked whether the Pahang government would audit the resort areas operated by the Berjaya Group on Pulau Tioman, Wan Rosdy said the matter was not a priority for now.

Meanwhile, he stressed that the state government would not compromise on illegal land clearing, including in forest areas, and would take enforcement action regardless of who was involved.

He said this stance also applied to environmentally significant forest areas, including the Ramsar site in Bera, following calls for the state government to restore areas allegedly cleared.

Wan Rosdy said this was state government policy, and enforcement was continuously carried out against encroachment involving land, minerals, mining, and sand.

"This concerns state sovereignty. We have a King, we have a Sultan, and it is the responsibility of the government to safeguard the interests of the people," he said.

-- BERNAMA