KUANTAN: The Pahang government should not bow to any pressure concerning the unlicensed durian farms in Raub and allow the legal proceedings at the Kuantan High Court to 'judge' the matter.

Pahang Perikatan Nasional (PN) deputy chairman Rosli Abdul Jabar said there is no room for negotiations with those who are involved in land encroachment including the Musang King durian farmers in Raub.

"The Pahang government does not need to be afraid of threats from certain parties including partners in the unity government because the issue violates the sovereignty of the state and the people in general. The Kuantan High Court had previously dismissed the farmers' leave applications.

"The trespassers should be treated equally like others (individuals involved in land encroachment) and a fair solution should be sought according to the jurisdiction of the law. Previously, stern action will be taken against villagers who encroach into state land and we hope the farmers will also be handed a similar punishment," he told reporters during a press conference at the Pahang PN headquarters here today.

Rosli was commenting on a Facebook posting by Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail on Jan 27, who advised Musang King farmers in Sungai Ruan, Sungai Chalit, Sungai Klau and Tranum who are involved with the judicial review application at the Kuantan High Court to consider if they should continue with the review bid as the disputed land is owned by the state government.

Later the same day, Raub member of parliament Chow Yu Hui had responded by saying the Pahang government has to review its land lease conditions concerning the durian farm legalisation scheme with Royal Pahang Durian Resources-PKPP Sdn Bhd (RPDR-PKPP) to resolve the long-standing durian farmers crisis.

Meanwhile, Rosli, who is also the Pahang Pas Commissioner, urged the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to reveal their findings after they had questioned a group of durian farmers in Raub some three years ago, over widespread land encroachment activities in the area.

"We would like to thank MACC for initiating investigations over the matter in 2020 and hope the findings discovered during the probe will be made public as there has been no news announced on the matter. There are questions raised on the progress of the investigations and if the government has taken suitable action," he said, referring to reports of the graft-buster questioning some 50 farmers at the agency's office in Raub on Sept 15, 2020.

Meanwhile, the Tanjung Lumpur assemblyman said he felt that the Pahang government was under pressure after forming the unity government which included representatives from Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan (PH).

"Maybe some quarters are trying to take advantage of the recently formed Pahang Unity Government Consultation Council comprising elected representatives from DAP. The issue (Raub durian farmers) was raised after the council was formed and it is something which were concerned might put the state government under pressure.

"Pahang PN urges the state government not to listen to any request or pressure put forward by any parties in the durian land matter including to review its land lease conditions concerning the durian farm legalisation scheme," he said, adding the durian farm issues will be raised during the Pahang state assembly sitting in March.

Meanwhile, Beserah assemblyman Andansura Rabu, who is the Pahang Pas Deputy Commissioner, described the durian land encroachment matter as 'non-negotiable' and the rule of law will have the final say on the matter.

"There is no need to ask the farmers to reconsider whether to continue or withdraw their application for a review bid. There are no negotiations concerning the issues between the state government and the illegal farmers.

"Trespassing is an offence and strict action has to be taken. Let the court proceedings continue," he said.

In Aug 2020, some 200 durian planters in Raub filed to obtain permission for a judicial review at the Kuantan High Court against a Pahang government order and decision for them to vacate their farms.

In Dec 2020, the Kuantan High Court dismissed the farmers leave applications, ruling that they had no locus standi to file the legal action.

On Sept 9, 2021, the Court of Appeal allowed an appeal by the group of farmers against the Kuantan High Court's dismissal of their leave applications for a judicial review

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2023/02/875623/pahang-pn-reminds-state-govt-remain-steadfast-raub-durian-fiasco