KUANTAN — The Pahang administration has denied allegations that its State Enforcement Unit (UPNP) burned and destroyed structures belonging to illegal durian farmers in Raub.
State Secretary Datuk Seri Zulkifli Yaacob said this in response to claims by the Save Musang King Alliance (Samka), which said houses for workers and storing equipment were razed at an unlicensed farm in Sg Klau on September 9.
“These accusations are baseless and appear to be an attempt to create a negative perception of both the state government and the UPNP,” Bernama reported Zulkifli saying in a statement.
He said the state government is committed to upholding the rule of law and would never take any actions that contradict this principle.
Samka said durian farmers and workers had witnessed several four-wheel drive vehicles entering the farm, and think smoke billowing from houses there after the vehicles’ entry.
The organisation’s president William Chang called the arson an extreme measure and vowed that durian farmers would not give in to pressure to sign “unfair contracts” with the Royal Pahang Durian Group, a consortium that includes the state government formed in 2020 to regulate durian farming in the area.
Zulkifli in his statement also said the state government was complying with the judgments of the Kuantan High Court and the orders of the Court of Appeal in Putrajaya, which are currently in effect.
On April 24, the Kuantan High Court had dismissed a judicial review application brought by Samka aiming to challenge the eviction notices issued by Pahang authorities against them. The farmers are appealing the judgement.
The Court of Appeal in May also denied 131 Musang King durian farmers their application to maintain their orchards in Raub, pending the disposal of their eviction notices appeal.
“As such, the state government remains dedicated to law enforcement and will continue to take firm action against any illegal land encroachments on government property,” Zulkifli said.
The state will investigate Samka’s allegations and he warned of action against those who tarnished the administration’s reputation.
On September 7, Samka held a rally in Raub, Pahang, to highlight the challenges faced by durian farmers there, calling on authorities to lease land to the local farmers who have played a role in tending the renowned Musang King durian for decades, before the consortium was formed.
Raub MP Chow Yu Hui has also said previously that the farmers have tried to legitimise their farms by applying for land titles and leases from the state, but to no avail. — September 12, 2024