30-5-75

Tasek Utara 47 Squatters Fined & Jailed

Johore Baru: 47 Tasek Utara squatters were each fined $420 or six months jail in default and sentenced to one day's jail for illegally occupying State land outside the State Secretariat building where a demonstration was held.

Mr. Masacorale, a lwayer for the squatters said in the affidavit that a stay of execution should be given so that the 47 'may be able to beg for charity and save some money to pay the fine in case the appeal is dismissed.' He said under the present circumstances the applicants find it almost impossible to pay the fine, which it tantamount to them being compelled to serve the jail sentence. He said among the 47 are 24 women. Most of the squatters are casual labourers earning an uncertain income far below subsistence.