Raub durian farmers claim their houses were set on fire

DURIAN farmers in Raub, Pahang, said a number of their houses were set on fire yesterday, and asked whether the state was behind the act.

The Save Musang King Alliance (Samka) today said farmers and workers witnessed several four-wheel-drive vehicles entering an unlicensed durian farm in Sungai Klau, Raub.

Observing from higher ground, they saw the vehicles stopping near farmers’ houses used to accommodate workers and store tools. 

Shortly after, thick smoke started billowing from the houses. A few workers rushed to the scene to try and extinguish the fire, but it was too late.

“The houses were completely burned down, and all property was destroyed,” said Samka president Wilson Chang, who also provided photographs of the gutted houses.

The Pahang state enforcement unit is responsible for locking down unlicensed durian farms in Raub over the past few months.

Chang said the state government’s enforcement unit must be answerable for the fire, which he said was meant to intimidate farmers.

“Why treat farmers this way? What have they done wrong? First, they steal durians during the farm raids, causing farmers to lose everything. 

“Now they’ve gone as far as burning down the farmers’ houses. Why is the state government being so cruel? Are the farmers terrorists? 

“These are farmers who have been cultivating the land for generations, the very people responsible for Musang King’s international success. Instead of celebrating them, the state government chooses to persecute them, which is outrageous,” said Chang.

On Saturday, Raub durian farmers held a peaceful two-hour rally to protest for their rights.

They demanded that the federal government halt the alleged oppression from the state government and a private consortium called Royal Pahang Durian, and to allow them to cultivate durians without fear.

They also sought a meeting with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to address their plight.

They claimed that the contract offered by the consortium is unfair and puts them at a disadvantage.

Chang today said that the farmers’ rally on Saturday was proof that farmers can no longer tolerate the enforcement actions. 

“The state government must listen to public opinion and initiate dialogue with the farmers to seek a win-win solution to further develop the globally renowned Musang King durians.

“Don’t think that these extreme measures will force farmers into signing unfair contracts with the Royal Pahang Durian. Farmers will only become more determined to refuse any collaboration with these consortiums.”

He also urged Pakatan Harapan leaders within the state government to fulfill their promise of granting leases to farmers who have been cultivating unlicensed durian farms for many years. – September 10, 2024.