Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming presented land grants to 120 squatter families around Sungkai and Kuala Bikam on August 8, resolving a land settlement dispute that lasted more than 40 years [1, 2, 3, 4]. The grants were handed out at a dinner organised by the DAP Sungkai state constituency division, attended by over 1,200 guests from various communities, including local elected representatives [1, 2, 3, 4].
Nga Kor Ming said, "The squatter problem that has dragged on for more than 40 years can finally be resolved. Tonight, 120 families are receiving land grants that symbolise a more secure future for them and future generations" [1]. He called on the public to judge the government's actual performance rather than be swayed by racial sentiments, urging for politics centered on unity, development, and service to the people [2].
The minister credited Sungkai assemblyman Datuk A. Sivanesan and civil servants for their dedication in resolving the issue [1, 2, 3, 4]. The event coincided with the 60th anniversary dinner of the DAP Sungkai division, which was also attended by Ipoh Timur MP Howard Lee Chuan How, Buntong assemblyman M. Thulsi, Malim Nawar assemblyman V. Bavani, and Astaka assemblyman Jason Ng Thien Yong [2, 3, 4].
Nga Kor Ming noted that the resolution reflects the Madani Government under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's goal to build an inclusive, fair, and equitable Malaysia. "These are among the proofs that the Madani Government... is constantly striving to build an inclusive, fair and equitable Malaysia, guided by the principle that no one is left behind or marginalised," he said [4]. The government has also allocated RM20 million for Indian settlements, RM50 million for Tamil vernacular schools, and increased funding for the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit to RM150 million [1, 2, 3, 4].
The granting of land titles to these families marks a concrete step in settling a decades-old issue and provides the recipients with legal recognition of their homes and a more secure future. Further government efforts to support minority communities continue alongside these land grants.
