He said the properties were in districts bordering the coast, namely Kerian, Larut Matang, Manjung, Hilir Perak and Bagan Datuk, as well as several new villages.

“I have discussed this matter with the Perak director of Land and Mines.

“There are actually many areas with temporary occupation licence status, but I cannot make a decision to issue the leases to areas in river reserves, road reserves and such areas.

“This is because as the government responsible for state development, we need to think of the future.

“We have to give priority to road construction and things which the people need. So, we cannot give the (99-year) leases to them,” he said.

Faizal was speaking to reporters at a press conference held after attending a talk titled “Keadilan Sosial dan Demokrasi” (“Social Justice and Democracy”) at the Casuarina Hotel here today.

Former Perak state assemblyman Mohd Zainuddin Mohd Yusof, who was one of the panel speakers, said the state government could issue such leases if there were “special circumstances”.

He said this matter was discussed at the National land Council in December 2008.

“A Director of Land and Mines (KPTG) Circular was sent out in January 2009, giving examples of these ‘special circumstances’ to include land sandwiched by other land with freehold titles.”