ILLEGAL farms, farmers and workers are back all over Cameron Highlands, says the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), but its hands are tied because going after them is not under its purview. MACC goes on the offensive only when there is evidence of corruption. Twenty-two people were recently arrested for trying to bribe MACC officers there and the agency is hoping that they will talk. If that happens, then the connections can be made and action can be taken by the commission. As to the return of the illegals, it is the duty of the state government to initiate investigations. Instead, the Pahang menteri besar is proposing the lifting of a 14-year freeze on the issuance of Temporary Occupation Licences (TOL) for agricultural activities in the highlands, an approach that would probably legalise these illegal farms. However, why was the freeze imposed in the first place?
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