Livestock Is Our Bank Farmers Protest Eviction Of Cattle Farms

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More than 50 farmers from SD Guthrie Berhad’s plantations held a protest and submitted a memorandum to Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari, following the issuance of 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 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 plantations in Sabak Bernam.
“Following the exco’s statement on the issue involving the plantations in Sabak Bernam, SD Guthrie Berhad 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 today.
Malaysiakini has reached out to SD Guthrie Berhad for comment.
The protest, which began at 10.30am, started with a short briefing and a march to the main gate to hand over their memorandum of demands.
A farmer, S Uraraja, 48, expressed his family’s concern after receiving the notice.
He said he owned over 20 cattle, which he described as his “bank”.
“These cattle are like a bank that I can use when needed. When my children want to continue their studies, get married, or in case of emergencies, I can sell these cattle to cover expenses.
“My family has been in this livestock business since my grandfather’s time, spanning three generations. So, I request not to be evicted like this, and for better solutions to be provided for citizens like us,” he told Malaysiakini.
He added that due to the notice, he felt pressured when meat traders offered to buy his cattle at very low prices.
Memorandum handed over
PSM deputy chairperson S Arutchelvan, along with 11 farmer representatives, were allowed to enter and successfully handed over the memorandum to the Selangor Menteri Besar’s special officer.
According to Arutchelvan, Amirudin promised to hold a meeting with state exco members, the National Farmers’ Coalition, farmer representatives, and SD Guthrie Berhad.
“SD Guthrie cannot use the issue in Sabak Bernam as a reason to evict other farmers.
“What is happening at the Selangor state level seems to contradict the federal administration, which allows livestock to live on oil palm plantations.
“However, farmers must be responsible for ensuring their animals do not roam freely and cause unwanted incidents,” he said.
The memorandum submitted to the state government included demands, including asking Rizam to retract his statement.
Additionally, they urged the state government to intervene and cancel the eviction notices issued by SD Guthrie Berhad to all farmers. - Mkini

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