Raub Durian Farmers Prepared To Discuss For Win Win Solution

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Stop ongoing enforcement operations at the Batu Talam permanent forest reserve and hold a dialogue with the affected durian farmers. - NSTP/MOHD RAFI MAMATRAUB: Stop ongoing enforcement operations at the Batu Talam permanent forest reserve and hold a dialogue with the affected durian farmers.
That is the call by Save Musang King Alliance (Samka), a group comprising durian farmers without permits in Raub, as they urge the Pahang government to hold a discussion as soon as possible to look at an amicable solution.
Samka chairman Wilson Chang reiterated that the farmers were open to suggestions and had publicly expressed their willingness to cooperate with the Pahang government for a win-win solution that will benefit both parties.
He also alleged that the farmers were harrassed by the authorities and that they were treated like "terrorists".
"We urge the state government to temporarily halt all operations and have a dialogue with the farmers soon. Sadly, the state government appeared indifferent towards the farmers and even utilised law enforcement agencies to harass and intimidate the unarmed farmers.
"It is extremely frightening when the Forestry Department chief threatened to continuously patrol, arrest farmers within the area and destroy the 101 ha of durian orchards within a month. Their actions are similar to dealing with terrorists," he said in a statement.
Last year, the durian farmers were reported saying they were prepared to work with the Pahang government to solve the issues involving unlicensed farms, on condition that Royal Pahang Durian Resources-PKPP Sdn Bhd (RPDR-PKPP) ceased their involvement in the scheme.
Meanwhile Chang alleged that the Batu Talam permanent forest reserve within the Tras sub-district, was protected by the court order.
"The forestry department has violated the court order when they destroyed the durian trees owned by the unlicensed durian farmers during the operation between July 3 and July 4. The permanent forest reserve is within the Tras sub-district which is subject to the interim order.
"Samka strongly condemns the state government and forestry department for disobeying the interim order by the court. The farmers will defend their legal rights without fear of power and coercion."
Yesterday, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail said the operation, which began on Saturday (July 3), was carried out after consultation with the state legal adviser's office.
He said the operations did not violate any law or breach the Court of Appeal's orders as the state legal adviser's office had already referred the matter to the court. - NST

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