Cops Nab Two Cattle Farmers For Alleged Obstruction

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Two cattle farmers in a dispute with plantation company SD Guthrie Bhd were arrested by the police earlier today.
National Farmers’ Coalition coordinator R Vijayagandi confirmed the matter with Malaysiakini and said the duo was arrested under Section 186 of the Penal Code for allegedly obstructing civil servants from performing their duties.
Those arrested were Muraly Manohar (41) and Vickneswaran Manohar (39).
“Around 11am, police officers arrived at the SD Guthrie plantation to seize our livestock, but detained the duo for allegedly obstructing their duty.
“They were initially held at the Sabak Bernam police station but are now being taken to the Sungai Besar police station,” he said.
Last month, more than 50 farmers from SD Guthrie Berhad’s plantation held a protest and submitted a memorandum to Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari after they were slapped with eviction notices.
The group demanded the state government take responsibility for the eviction notices issued by SD Guthrie Berhad, which forced them to remove their livestock from the plantation areas.
National Farmers’ Coalition fellow coordinator S Tinagaran said 173 farmers had received the notices, effective Jan 31.
He alleged that the eviction notices emerged after the statement by State Rural Development, Unity, and Consumer Affairs executive councillor Rizam Ismail last month concerning illegal cattle farming activities on SD Guthrie plantation in Sabak Bernam.
“Following the exco’s statement on the issue involving the plantation in Sabak Bernam, SD Guthrie took the opportunity to issue notices to all farmers in Selangor.
“Farmers were given a one-month deadline, ending on Jan 31,” he told the media at the main gate of the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Building in Shah Alam.
SD Guthrie defended their actions and refuted claims that the notices were issued following Rizam’s statement.
Elaborating, Vijayagandi alleged abuse of power by the police over the arrests.
He said the police entered a private property and any action on the place would require a court order.
“From what I understand, when it comes to private properties, the authorities must get a court order before taking away the livestock - which must also be emphasised in the case involving SD Guthrie.
“Granted, we do have agencies here such as the police, Department of Veterinary Services, Land Office and others seizing or chasing away livestock but that is limited to public land,” he added.
Amicable solution
Disappointed, Vijayagandi said the cattle farmers are still negotiating their dispute with the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry to seek an amicable solution.
“The people here are third to fourth-generation cattle farmers and SD Guthrie knows this. Plus, we are also discussing the matter with the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry.
“So, SD Guthrie cannot be using a government agency to chase us away. They should use proper channels and get a court order.
“But now, it seems like they are collaborating with a government agency and I’m confused as to how the state government is helping SD Guthrie (to evict them),” Vijayagandi lamented.
Vijayagandi pointed out that previously, the Selangor menteri besar’s special officer had informed them that a special meeting would be held over the matter and until then, no one would be evicted from the farm.
However, he said the special meeting had not been organised until now.
“Please negotiate with us and stop this eviction process.
“This is running contrary to Putrajaya’s policy as we are already engaging the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry and are in the midst of establishing a protocol to ensure the cattle in SD Guthrie farm can be reared properly and sustainably,” Vijayagandi added. - Mkini

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