What happens when big corporations decide to EVICT small farmers | THE LAST HARVEST

[@TheFourth]

Support the campaign to preserve Malaysia's farmlands. Go to our social media accounts and tag Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, demanding that the government #BuyBackTheLand and gazette them as permanent farmlands: instagram.com/thefourth.media

[@CitizenCan]

well, if they never had the legal land titles, that means they are nothing more than generational squatters....

[@TheFourth]

@@CitizenCan Have you watched the full documentary?

[@CitizenCan]

@@TheFourth yes, and it is abundantly clear that they do not legally own the land on which they farmed...

[@TheFourth]

@@CitizenCan ​ Great, thanks for watching! As you can see from the documentary, we never argue that they have a legal right to the land. Even the farmers' association president says (after the Ipoh town hall at 23:06) they never expected to be given titles to the land. They have been applying to lease the land for generations, so they can continue their way of life and provide food for Malaysians. So this is not purely a legal issue - it's a moral issue, and a food security issue. Should generational farmers be kicked out just like that, largely to serve corporate interests? As you can see at 5:45 and 16:30, many of these developments will likely have huge, outsized benefits for a handful of individuals. And throughout our conversations with activists, real estate agents and others in the industry, there are plenty of allegations of outright corruption. Further to that, once they start building these developments, this fertile land will almost certainly never be arable again. If we continue on this path, our reliance on food imports will increase, even as climate change wrecks havoc on food systems around the world. (See the UPM expert at 10:50) That's why we're saying the law needs to change. Technically, the farmers may not have the titles to the land, but if a law is unjust and does not serve the best interests of the people, then it's time to change the law. Here are a few reforms that have been mooted by various parties: - State governments shouldn't be allowed to hide its land deals. It should all be open to public scrutiny. It is, after all, our most valuable asset. - Further to the first point, state govts should prove they have conducted environmental impact and social cost/benefit analyses before alienate land. - States should find a way to recognise generational farmers separately from short-term squatters, and provide a fairer solution for them (suitable replacement land, career transition pathways, financial compensation, etc).

[@CitizenCan]

@@TheFourth "They have been applying to lease the land for generations, so they can continue their way of life and provide food for Malaysians." From the legal perspective, a person can make application. However, legally, there is no obligation for the Government to approve that application just because an application was made. To put it in simple terms, if you own a piece of land, and someone comes to you to apply to use that land, you have the sole discretion of approving or rejecting that request. As the landowner, you do not have to justify your decision. It is as simple as that. As for the narrative that they "provide food for Malaysians", these are commercial farmers who sell their goods at commercial prices. They do it for the profit (nothing wrong with that). But let's not pretend as if it's a public service driven by altruism. "So this is not purely a legal issue - it's a moral issue..." Totally agree with you on this. How is it morally right to insist on using land you don't own, when the legal owners already have other plans and have already given notice for you to leave? I mean how is it moral and fair that some people can use land they do not own for generations, while private citizens like us have to buy land/ real estate at market prices? Yes, it is a moral issue... Having acknowledged that, morality is subjective.... The law is objective. "developments will likely have huge, outsized benefits for a handful of individuals" In a market economy, if you can benefit from the legal system, what's wrong with that? "And throughout our conversations with activists, real estate agents and others in the industry, there are plenty of allegations of outright corruption." Allegations of corruption should be proven in a court of law... Planting narratives like this, creating a trial by media, before those allegations can be proven through the legal process - That is a form of corruption of the legal system. On another note, one has to wonder: What sort of shenanigans were going on behind the scenes, that allowed people to use land they do not own for generations, to the point that they feel entitled to it? "That's why we're saying the law needs to change. Technically, the farmers may not have the titles to the land, but if a law is unjust and does not serve the best interests of the people, then it's time to change the law." All those suggestions sounds nice, on paper. However, as the current law stands, everything remains legal. Whether it is just or not, that is a moral question, and morality is subjective. Even if laws change, it is applicable only to future cases, not cases that occur before the gazettement of that new law. That's the legal reality of it.

[@DerpyPoint]

So glad The Fourth made this video! Really need to support Malaysian farmers in these critical times

[@TheFourth]

We're glad to have the chance to tell this story too! It is critical for all Malaysians to support our food-producing communities, and call for legislative reforms. No more "secret" land deals. No more short-term TOLs. Give generational farmers a fair chance.

[@Hs5687]

SG’s Lee Kuan Yew not only Marginalised & Oppressed SG Muslims but also Targeted, Looted & Plundered SG’s Wealthy Arabs to extinction… All sanitised from History Books 😂🎉❤

[@Claire-ko6qb]

Is it really SO easy to walk into parliament and just close your eyes to the fate of the people you're supposed to be representing? 💔

[@TheFourth]

It won't be so easy when the people start holding them accountable! Join the campaign to tag MPs and ADUNs - including the Prime Minister - on social media, and ask them to reform Malaysia's land laws.

[@CitizenCan]

well, if they never had the legal land titles, that means they are nothing more than generational squatters....

[@TheFourth]

@@CitizenCan Wow you are really copying and pasting this everywhere...

[@TheReviewer65]

As a visitor to Malaysia from the UK, I'm really interested to learn more about what has been happening with local farmers!

[@TheFourth]

Thanks for joining the screening! Hope the documentary helped you learn about local farming communities and the challenges they're facing. More content to come on this issue, so hope you'll subscribe as well!

[@CitizenCan]

the British made this problem to begin with...

[@TheReviewer65]

@@CitizenCan And I promise you, the entire time I was watching this video or while I have been travelling across South East Asia, the amount of guilt I feel is unrivalled.

[@TheFourth]

@@CitizenCan To be fair, in this case, the British were encouraging people to take up farming to improve local food security. Tun Abdul Razak encouraged something similar in the 1970s through the Rancangan Buku Hijau program. The real problem is that multiple state governments failed to resolve the issue all this while. Many of the farmers have proof that they applied for land titles or leases (TOLs), but the government appears to have ignored them. The only time they seem to not ignore what's happening on the land, is when a major property developer asks to buy it.

[@CitizenCan]

@@TheFourth "Many of the farmers have proof that they applied for land titles or leases (TOLs), but the government appears to have ignored them." From the legal perspective, a person can make application. However, legally, there is no obligation for the Government to approve that application just because an application was made. To put it in simple terms, if you own a piece of land, and someone comes to you to apply to use that land, you have the sole discretion of approving or rejecting that request. As the landowner, you do not have to justify your decision. It is as simple as that.

[@hongkaipun1204]

31:10 here's the guy who told all people to plant food crops at their backyards during MCO due to food shortage, now worsened by his state government's policy.

[@TheFourth]

He really did say that.

[@EmelynLee]

My aunt from Perak partakes in the activism whenever she can. Thanks for the homemade, quality documentary for once. There are really things the media doesn't tell us, sigh...

[@TheFourth]

Your aunt is a superstar for being an ally to the farmers! Hopefully more people will do the same, even if it's to support them on social media.

[@dcrzmae]

That was chilling and heartbreaking in the end. They should at least be given land that is suitable for farming to replace the ones destroyed

[@TheFourth]

It is unfortunately a documentary that doesn't have a happy ending - but this is where the people come in. This is not the end of the farmers' story. This can be when Malaysians finally get behind them and push through the policy and legislative reforms we need.

[@CitizenCan]

well, if they never had the legal land titles, that means they are nothing more than generational squatters....

[@lydialim2964]

Shameful. The Federal government needs to step in. It's disastrous leaving food security to only the big agriculture players. Small farmers play a part too because they care about the land they work on.

[@TheFourth]

That is so true! These generational farmers have such a connection to the land, and they have skills and knowledge that are irreplaceable. And by prioritising big agri players, we are placing our food security in the hands of a small group of elites.

[@nihilisticgacha]

to all the people who acquired the farmlands and made decisions that provide nothing to the society in terms of food security, those who rejected the application submitted by the farmers, those who involved in destroying the farmlands, those who interfered the farmers from submitting the memorandum, those who assisted the eviction and harmed the people who fight for the cause, I hope all of you remember that you are part of this when the whole nation runs out of food and the people are starving. you made this happen.

[@TheFourth]

Let's hope it never comes to that. We the people can hold them accountable and stop such practices before our food security is threatened. We have to continue shining a light on this before more farmlands are irreversibly destroyed, and more state land is sold without public accountability.

[@gudie1194]

Somebody pl tell them .. bricks and mortar and tar are not edible .. it's real food and farmers that's important ..

[@TheFourth]

And bricks and mortar can be built somewhere else, NOT on fertile farmlands that have been there for nearly a century!

[@met689]

I work in the property line and from what I understand, the Perak state government has already has their hands tied after the land was sold. (Of course, they tied their own hands) One of the few ways that can actually stop the excavations are if there is a neighbouring land owner of the lands disputing the development of the lands. Because before and during development, the neighbouring land owners (I think) is given opportunities to dispute the development and it can be for any reason (the nobler the better). Of course, best ways are to use the media and the federal government to combat this issue.

[@TheFourth]

Interesting idea! We know the Pangkor fishing community (12:07) is using the official "bantahan" process to try to stop the waterfront project... Another thing to consider is that these land deals have been happening across the tenures of various chief ministers, state governments, and political parties. So it may well be that their hands were tied by deals that were made before their time, but it is still up to them to institute long-term reforms to prevent similar situations from happening again. Finally, we couldn't agree more - it is time for the people (not just the media) and the Federal government to find a solution. The farmers and activists have tried every avenue available to them. The whole country must now do its part to prevent the permanent loss of even more farmland.

[@Henry-ve3ye]

So cruel! Kejam! Kejam! Kejam! Name and shame that company

[@janegomez1411]

So digustning whats happeninng, no humanity only greed

[@TheFourth]

That's why we need legal reforms. It's the best way to make sure greedy practices can't continue.

[@CitizenCan]

well, if they never had the legal land titles, that means they are nothing more than generational squatters....

[@pilyoong]

Be prepare for more vege price hike.

[@TheFourth]

Exactly. And whenever these farmlands are cleared, it is almost impossible to make it fertile again. Decades of cultivation, all down the drain.

[@sofiahneezam2312]

Eye opening

[@wsl7935]

Go to seek help from Nga Kor Ming and DAP. They are Federal Government and Perak State Government now. 95% Chinese and majority of Non-Malay vote DAP and PH. This is time they help the people who vote them

[@TheFourth]

Most of these farmers have consistently asked for help from all parties, across different governments, and different eras. Yet, the issue persists.

[@janegomez1411]

Yez get DAP

[@dewipillai9731]

Malaysians should take this issue seriously as it impacts food security.

[@TheFourth]

Exactly! As the UPM researcher said - we can be in real trouble if we keep evicting farmers like this.

[@tinayeo1962]

Should any State land be sold to Federal government? It is definitely from frying pan into fire IMO, better to get corrupted MPs and real estate agents in jail. Farmers must remain in their fertile land as these are generational and good for planting.

[@TheFourth]

Yes, but that is why the Federal government must not only buy back the land, but also gazette it as permanent food-producing land (Tanah Kekal Pengeluaran Makanan). There are already many TKPM projects across the country, so there is an existing framework for it.

[@CitizenCan]

well, if they never had the legal land titles, that means they are nothing more than generational squatters....

[@ianyee]

Hidup petani. Lawan lapar.

[@sn-ih8mf]

Such a great documentary!!

[@TheFourth]

Thanks, we appreciate the kind words. Now let’s keep pushing the government for reforms.

[@camerontjoe5535]

ayuh semua

[@sofiahneezam2312]

So excited 🤯

[@capybaralove3342]

All for another tol road

[@yeongjianyet]

Great job on the documentary! Hope more ppl sees this. Please make some Shorts to boost awareness.

[@TheFourth]

Thanks! And yes, we have a bunch of Shorts coming up, both here and on all our other socials. Hope you'll keep helping us amplify this, and tag your MP/ADUN.

[@zhafiramin]

Lawan!

[@ianyee]

Lawan tetap lawan!

[@CitizenCan]

well, if they never had the legal land titles, that means they are nothing more than generational squatters....

[@DandhyLaksono01]

Tahniah for the powerful and bold documentary about issue that mainstream media might not dealing with. The multi-ethnic struggle as well as the defenders reflect the universality of land right. Big respect for the farmers, public lawyers, social justice warriors, and filmmakers for the beautiful collaboration against a corrupt system.

[@TheFourth]

Terima kasih, Dandhy! We appreciate the solidarity from a fellow documentary filmmaker, and congratulations on the success of Dirty Vote. But land rights for farmers is indeed a universal issue. We've heard similar tactics being used in Pakistan, India, the Philippines, Indonesia, etc. We're planning some cross-border collaborations to try to reform land laws around the world - hope to have your support!

[@CitizenCan]

well, if they never had the legal land titles, that means they are nothing more than generational squatters....

[@capybaralove3342]

Truly upsetting to see our farmland predated on by mega corporations

[@CitizenCan]

well, if they never had the legal land titles, that means they are nothing more than generational squatters....

[@hsiangjien2787]

lawan!!

[@TheFourth]

Lawan tetap lawan!

[@ThangaRaj-uo5hi]

Lawan2 tetap Lawan

[@CitizenCan]

well, if they never had the legal land titles, that means they are nothing more than generational squatters....

[@pooja350]

well done to everyone involved! This was an incredible documentary

[@TheFourth]

Thank you so much! Hope you'll stay tuned on our socials for more content coming up, and do help us tag your MPs and the Prime Minister to push for the reforms we need. Find out more here: thefourth.media/thelastharvest

[@dewipillai9731]

Well documented for future reference.

[@TheFourth]

We're glad you think so! But let's also make sure people know the urgency of this TODAY. These land law reforms have to be done now, before we lose even more farmlands.

[@azryzuraidy6311]

comment for the algo

[@TheFourth]

We appreciate the algo boost! With issues like this, we'll need all the help we can get 🙏

[@fatimahjoseph6606]

Thanks for the documentary.

[@TheFourth]

Thanks for watching! Hope you'll follow us for more updates, and make sure to lobby your MP/ADUN for new land laws that protect these generational farmers. More updates to come on our IG account: instagram.com/thefourth.media

A very important work, congratulations to everyone involved!

[@TheFourth]

Thanks! Now let's hope the government responds. We have a lot more content coming up on our socials, so please make sure to tag your MPs and ask for the necessary land law reforms.

[@janegomez1411]

Shame on

[@CitizenCan]

well, if they never had the legal land titles, that means they are nothing more than generational squatters....

[@TheFourth]

Just copying and pasting our earlier reply to you on a separate thread, for the benefit of everyone who might be interested in this discussion: ************************** As you can see from the documentary, we never argue that they have a legal right to the land. Even the farmers' association president says (after the Ipoh town hall at 23:06) they never expected to be given titles to the land. They have been applying to lease the land for generations, so they can continue their way of life and provide food for Malaysians. So this is not purely a legal issue - it's a moral issue, and a food security issue. Should generational farmers be kicked out just like that, largely to serve corporate interests? As you can see at 5:45 and 16:30, many of these developments will likely have huge, outsized benefits for a handful of individuals. And throughout our conversations with activists, real estate agents and others in the industry, there are plenty of allegations of outright corruption. Further to that, once they start building these developments, this fertile land will almost certainly never be arable again. If we continue on this path, our reliance on food imports will increase, even as climate change wrecks havoc on food systems around the world. (See the UPM expert at 10:50) That's why we're saying the law needs to change. Technically, the farmers may not have the titles to the land, but if a law is unjust and does not serve the best interests of the people, then it's time to change the law. Here are a few reforms that have been mooted by various parties: - State governments shouldn't be allowed to hide its land deals. It should all be open to public scrutiny. It is, after all, our most valuable asset. - Further to the first point, state govts should prove they have conducted environmental impact and social cost/benefit analyses before alienate land. - States should find a way to recognise generational farmers separately from short-term squatters, and provide a fairer solution for them (suitable replacement land, career transition pathways, financial compensation, etc).

[@jackie642]

Hope this issue get more publicity. Wake up Malaysian!

[@TheFourth]

Thanks for the comment! We can all play a part in amplifying this. Comments like yours go a long way, so please stay tuned and stay engaged with all the content we have coming up on this issue.

[@CitizenCan]

well, if they never had the legal land titles, that means they are nothing more than generational squatters....

[@indifference29]

Well done, Ian and team

[@TheFourth]

Thanks for the support! More content to come. This is just the beginning of a long campaign, which hopefully ends with reforms to our outdated land laws, and the farmers being able to continue producing food for the country. Follow us on IG for more updates: instagram.com/thefourth.media

[@thewijaksana]

Hanya satu kata: LAWAN!

[@TheFourth]

As Mr Tan said in the video - LAWAN TETAP LAWAN!

[@tengkuariputra3959]

Readyyy

[@tharmapillai1475]

Let's gooo

[@razmiihsan8897]

Takleh lawan dalam court ke? Naya org macam ni.

[@TheFourth]

Boleh, para petani ini memang semua ada lawan di makhamah. Tapi undang-undang Malaysia sekarang tidak membelahi petani. Kerajaan negeri mempunyai kuasa yang hampir mutlak dalam penjualan/pelupusan tanah. Lebih lagi, macam mana petani miskin nak lawan pemaju besar atau GLC?

[@ZawawiYangTerakhir]

What is court dicision about the case?

[@TheFourth]

For the farmers in Kanthan and Changkat Kinding which you see in this documentary, the cases are still ongoing. But there have been dozens of other cases like this, and they usually end with the farmers having to leave.

[@iqbalfatkhi3034]

Kena tunggu lagi 😭

[@ianyee]

🤣

[@TheFourth]

Hope it was worth the wait! 😅 And now it's time to get these land law reforms done - tag your MPs/ADUNs and the Prime Minister on our IG posts! instagram.com/thefourth.media

[@makzw2345]

It’s an incredible documentary. This issue should be known by everyone and MALAYSIANS should fight for this. Hunger breeds discontentment. Malaysia now has faced food shortage, if this situation keeps happening, l can’t imagine the consequences. I hope everything will goes well and MALAYSIANS must unite!

[@TheFourth]

Thank you so much. You are absolutely right - if we don't unite against corporate and political greed, it is the people who will suffer and go hungry. Many communities are already struggling to put food on the table due to the rising cost of living. It's time to hold our elected officials accountable and call on them to reform our land laws.

[@CitizenCan]

well, if they never had the legal land titles, that means they are nothing more than generational squatters....

[@rhyslee553]

Lets gooo

[@TheFourth]

✊