DURIAN farmers in Raub, Pahang, are seeking a meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to address claims of oppression by the Pahang government.
In a statement, the Save Musang King Alliance (Samka) highlighted that over a thousand farmers have been impacted, and it is crucial to arrange a meeting with the prime minister.
“The rally this afternoon at Dataran Pasar Sungai Klau, Raub, saw over a thousand farmers attending to express their anger. They demand the government halt the oppression from the state government and the consortium, allowing farmers to cultivate durians without fear,” said Raub MP Chow Yu Hui.
Chow explained that the livelihoods of these farmers have been severely affected, and a meeting with the prime minister and Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu is essential to address their plight.
He also noted that Anwar, before becoming prime minister, had previously met with Samka, offering some positive input.
"I will continue to fight for the rights of Raub farmers, both now and in the future. I will speak on their behalf in Parliament, fulfilling my responsibility as an MP to defend their rights,” Chow added.
Durian farmers in Raub held a peaceful two-hour rally this afternoon, protesting for their rights without any incidents. The event, called Perhimpunan Besar Pekebun 907, featured speeches from over five speakers, including Samka chief William Chang and Tanah Rata assemblyman Chiong Yoke Kong.
Police from the Raub district were present, but no disturbances were reported during the rally.
Chow emphasised that these farmers are not trespassers and that, under the Green Book Plan (Rancangan Buku Hijau), the government encouraged farmers to cultivate land.
“Farmers have long been applying for land titles and hope for fair leases from the state government, but they have so far been unsuccessful,” he said.
William Chang stated that the farmers’ demands are straightforward.
“They do not wish to fight the government, but the unfair contracts are unacceptable. The farmers ask to be treated as equal partners, allowing them to trade durians freely,” Chang said.
He added that the farmers are willing to pay reasonable land taxes and contribute to environmental conservation.
Chang warned that signing contracts with consortiums is not in the farmers’ best interests.
“In the end, they will be unable to meet the consortiums' demands and will suffer unfair treatment when durian prices drop.”
He also pointed out that the issue of unlicensed farms is not unique to Raub, affecting farmers across Malaysia, including vegetable farmers in Perak, Cameron Highlands, and ginger farmers in Bukit Tinggi.
“Their farmlands have long been insecure, and the government has not taken into account local economic development or the farmers’ interests,” he added. – September 7, 2024.
