GOVERNMENT LAND ON PULAU BUKUM KECHIL (Lease to Shell Company)

Inche Ahmad Jabri Bin Mohammad Akib asked the Prime Minister whether the Government proposes to lease Government land on Pulau Bukum Kechil to the Shell Company; when will the lease be effected; whether the present occupants of such land will be moved off, when and to where; what will be the number of families that will be affected; and whether, and how, the Government will compensate those people.

Mr Chan Sun Wing (for the Prime Minister): Mr Speaker, I have also been asked by the Prime Minister to reply to this question.

The Shell Company have applied for approximately 8½ acres of land adjoining their own land (17.65 acres) for future expansion. There are 18 inhabitants living on the land under Temporary Occupation Licences.

The Shell Company have indicated that they are prepared to pay compensation for the resettlement of these inhabitants if they are given a lease.

The application is under consideration. Suitable arrangements for resettlement and/or compensation to those affected would be made before any alienation is approved.