An ongoing tussle between the Perak State Development Corporation and farmers in Hulu Kinta has grabbed headlines. The dispute revolves around rights to farmland that have been cultivated for generations. Eviction notices have been issued to farmers, as the agency plans to develop the area for residential and industrial purposes. What does the dispute reveal about the Perak state’s view of the value of agriculture, food security and economic development? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to A. Sivanesan, the Assemblyperson for Sungkai.