Minister Azalina advises landowners to use police reports or legal notices in encroachment cases, warning against taking the law into their own hands.

PUTRAJAYA: Landowners involved in encroachment disputes must use official legal channels to protect their rights. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said warned against taking matters into one’s own hands to prevent escalation.

She stated that any ownership dispute or objection to construction must be officially recorded through a police report or a lawyer’s letter. This formal registration is crucial to avoid conflicting claims between parties.

Azalina expressed confidence in the country’s orderly legal system, which must be followed. She cautioned that unilateral actions risk inflaming sensitive issues, particularly when matters involve elements of belief or religion.

Her comments followed a statement by Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari urging landowners to lodge police reports. This enables authorities to investigate and prosecute any proven encroachment offences.

Azalina also highlighted that the Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU) is ready to offer mediation services to disputing parties. She emphasised that not every conflict needs to go to court.

“Mediation can help in terms of faster conflict resolution and also reduce financial costs,” she said. This approach may be more affordable than engaging private legal services.

She noted that Malaysian law encourages mediation, citing examples like anti-bullying tribunals. Activating mediation centres across society will be a key focus for BHEUU beyond the court system.

 The Sun Malaysia