Hilmi: Coaxing residents to sell land improper

BALIK PULAU (April 10): Improper and out of line. Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya has censured the action of a private property agency which distributes letters to urge Balik Pulau residents to sell or rent out their land.

The Penang Umno information chief said the agency allegedly had an ulterior motive to reap profits for self-gain, and did not heed the welfare of the residents.

"There were no such issues in the past and residents should exercise caution over the intention of the agency. They should think of their future and not act in a hasty manner when asked to sell or rent out their land," he said.

Hilmi said this after launching a 1Malaysia People's Menu at Restaurant Peladang here on Tuesday.

He was asked to comment on a statement by Pulau Betong State Assemblyman Muhamad Farid Saad pertaining to the agency which had asked residents here to contact them if they were keen to sell or rent out their land.

To date, 13 residents had received letters of offer since Friday.

Hilmi said he understood that the state government wanted to build a tunnel from Bayan Baru to Balik Pulau but the proposal had yet to be tabled and debated in the State Assembly.

"Maybe, certain parties are aware of the proposal and want to benefit from its implementation by asking the public to sell or rent out their land.

"If the tunnel becomes a reality, the price of land in the area will skyrocket and those with vested interests would profit greatly," he said.

As such, Hilmi — who is also Teluk Bahang state assemblyman — advised the residents to exercise caution and not be easily taken in by the sweet promises of irresponsible parties. — Bernama