Landowners in the rural areas of Bako, Kuching are fuming over a government plan to acquire their land, totaling 62 acres, for a proposed Muslim cemetery.

Furthermore, the landowners claim that the state government was short-changing them by offering only RM50,000 per acre - three to four times less of current market value.

According to a notice last month by the Kuching Land and Survey Department, the 10 parcels of land are situated at Sungai Mudah, Sungai Karah and Jalan Bako.

The same department conducted an inquiry on Oct 24 on the matter where the landowners submitted a joint memorandum to object the acquisition.

In the memorandum, the landowners argued that the land which the government sought to acquire was not suitable for a cemetery.

Additionally, the land is said to be dry, hilly and primarily consisting of rocks.

Site unsuitable

The landowners also argued that the nearest Muslim commune, Kampung Sungai Bako, is more than 2km away and already had a cemetery.

"Other similar communes are at least 5km away and we have been informed that they all have designated and preferred cemeteries still in used," read the memorandum.

Presently the land owners have been served with a notice under Section 47 of the state Land Code which allows the government to acquire land for public purpose.

PKR state assemblyperson for Padungan Dominique Ng and its Stampin chief See Chee How are assisting the landowners in discussions with the authorities.

See told Malaysiakini that the authorities should have had prior negotiations with the landowners before serving them notices.

"They should at least offer market rates for the land," he added.