Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri G. Palanivel is in the know over the existence of the mastermind behind the illegal land-clearing in Cameron Highlands which led to the flash flood and landslides there.
While admitting the person's existence, coupled with photographic evidence, the Cameron Highlands member of parliament said he "cannot say much" or disclose more about the matter.
"Earlier, maybe about 20 years ago, Cameron Highlands was a preserved area, there was no illegal land clearing. Farming was very good, the farmers did very good farming, they were exporting to Singapore and other countries up to RM2 billion in value.
"Now, however, something is happening, I am still unable to control them," he told reporters here today.
Earlier, he attended the Special Meeting on Flash Floods and Landslides in Cameron Highlands which was chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin at the Cameron Highlands at the District and Land Office here.
Palanivel said the Vegetable Farmers' Association from the Chinese community here had also complained to him about certain parties which were destroying the hills.
"They always complain to me that the hill is being disturbed, the only thing is, 'something is behind something', which I cannot reveal too much. I have a few photographs, but I cannot talk too much about it. They are doing some illegal works, this happened (over) the last 10, five years," he said.
Meanwhile, Palanivel said he would send a letter to the Sultan of Pahang, Sultan Ahmad Shah to request for an audience to clarify the situation in Cameron Highlands.
"I will send him (Sultan of Pahang) a letter to request for an audience. He was not angry with me. I was here last Tuesday, then in Paris on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Often, I am here, " he added.
On Nov 20, Sultan Ahmad Shah had said he would meet Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to discuss assistance from the federal government to be given to the state government to resolve the issue of illegal immigrants in the Cameron Highlands.
He had also expressed displeasure over news reports that Cameron Highlands had been overtaken by 30,000 illegal Bangladeshi immigrants, adding that it was untrue.
Five people died in the mud flood and landslides in Kampung Raja, Ringlet Town and Lembah Bertam in Cameron Highlands on Nov 5, and more than 90 from 28 families had to be moved to the evacuation centre in the Community Multi-purpose Hall in Ringlet.
Bernama
Mon Nov 24 2014
PALANIVEL: I have a few photographs, but I cannot talk too much about it.
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.