Kelantan authorities seize Rohingya-operated betel leaf farm

The Kelantan state government has seized a betel leaf farm and an unfinished residential structure in Kampung Padang Guchil, Tanah Merah, which were being operated by the Rohingya community.

Investigations by the Tanah Merah District Council revealed that the land, spanning approximately 2.8 hectares, was being used for betel leaf cultivation despite being officially designated for rubber and orchard use. Authorities have ordered an immediate halt to all land clearing and construction activities due to a lack of necessary permits and planning permission.

During the inspection, four Rohingya individuals were found on-site. Only one possessed a UNHCR refugee card, while the others had no documentation. The individuals were reportedly renting the land at a rate of RM2,000 per year and the residence at RM300 per month. The state government is currently working to identify and track down the landowners who leased the property to the refugees.